A RECENT Australian newspaper article reported the heartbreaking incident of an accountant having plunged to her death from the 10th floor of her firm's office building. Whatever the reason behind the apparent suicide, one thing is for sure: we need to always look after one another.

The accounting journey is arduous. From grueling college tests to one of the country's most difficult licensure exams and up to the actual practice of the profession, it is not an easy ride. As a public practitioner and professor, the everyday reality for both aspiring and licensed accountants is all too familiar to me. Be it sleepless nights of studying, researching, preparing reports or overtime work, it takes a lot of courage and a healthy mind to keep going without getting burnt out or experiencing mental issues.