Mental Health

The rise of AI chatbots, including ChatGPT, is reshaping how people seek support for their mental health — but new research warns that these digital assistants may be unintentionally making symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety worse. According to a detailed special report published by Teen Vogue on 16 July 2025, some individuals with OCD have developed a pattern of compulsive reassurance-seeking that is uniquely intensified by the always-available, ever-accommodating nature of AI chatbots Teen Vogue.

A growing body of scientific research is turning conventional wisdom about chronic lateness on its head: for many, persistent tardiness is not merely a matter of laziness or poor manners but a symptom of an underlying mental health condition known as “time blindness.” The latest analyses from psychiatrists and neuroscientists suggest that time blindness—while not formally categorized in leading diagnostic manuals such as the DSM-5—is a pervasive issue, disrupting lives, careers, and relationships worldwide, including here in Thailand.

Rising rates of workplace burnout have become a defining health issue of our time, raising urgent questions for employees in Thailand and around the world: is it possible to recover from burnout while still working, or must one step away to truly heal? According to the latest guidance from mental health experts and career coaches, recovering from burnout during ongoing employment is difficult, but not impossible—provided workers embrace careful self-assessment, boundary setting, and proactive communication with supervisors.

A man who claims to have “slept with 1,000 women” has made headlines by publicly expressing regret over his past lifestyle, citing significant negative impacts on his mental health. The candid admission, which has sparked widespread debate on social media and within health circles, highlights the often-overlooked psychological consequences linked to compulsive sexual behavior, particularly among men navigating cultural and social expectations.

The individual, whose personal story was reported in LADbible and has since gone viral, described his former approach to relationships as being driven by the pursuit of numbers rather than genuine connection. While this so-called “playboy lifestyle” is often celebrated or idealized in popular media, especially for men, his experience has exposed the hollow aftermath, including feelings of emptiness, loneliness, and persistent anxiety.

Stress, long recognized as a contributor to heart disease, cancer, and other top causes of death, is finally being investigated with the seriousness it deserves, thanks to a surge of scientific innovation. Recent research published by Nature on July 8, 2025, reveals both the growing impact of stress on global health and new breakthroughs that could reshape how medical professionals—and individuals—understand, measure, and manage this invisible threat Nature Article.

In Thailand, as in much of the world, stress is an unspoken but powerful force shaping daily life. From pressures at work and financial insecurity to societal changes and, notably, collective trauma such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Thai population, young and old, feels the weight. Health authorities and medical professionals often focus on physical symptoms rather than underlying stress, meaning its true toll is rarely addressed directly in clinics or hospitals.

Bangkok – “I hate Mondays” has long been a running joke in offices, schools, and coffee shops across Thailand and around the world. But new evidence suggests this sentiment is far more than a punchline: Mondays may actually harm our health in ways that persist long after the workweek begins, escalating the risk for major medical problems and chronic stress. That’s the startling message from groundbreaking research led by the University of Hong Kong and published this week in the Journal of Affective Disorders, which found that people who feel anxious on Mondays experience the highest spikes in stress hormones – with effects that can linger for months.

A growing body of evidence underscores the immense emotional, physical, and spiritual strain shouldered by caregivers—often family members—tasked with looking after loved ones with chronic illnesses such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, stroke, or Parkinson’s disease. Recent personal stories and new data shared in a July 2025 report by faith columnist Terry Pluto bring renewed attention to both the widespread challenges and silent heroics within caregiving communities, with lessons and warnings that resonate deeply in Thailand.

A wave of recent research and critical commentary is throwing a spotlight on how TV dramas across South Asia, including in Pakistan and by extension those consumed in Thailand, continue to spread harmful myths about mental illness. Instead of fostering understanding and compassion, many popular shows still portray psychological disorders as punishment for bad behaviour—a damaging misconception that deepens stigma, discourages treatment, and reinforces outdated social hierarchies.

The significance of this discussion stretches far beyond the world of entertainment. For millions of Thai and Southeast Asian viewers who consume South Asian dramas through streaming platforms and satellite TV, these narratives not only provide entertainment but also help shape cultural attitudes toward mental health—often in ways that can be detrimental for individuals and families confronting mental health challenges in real life.

Chronic exhaustion, unmanageable stress, and a persistent sense of being overwhelmed: these feelings have become synonymous with workplace life for many Thais in 2025. With surveys showing that up to 90% of employees report high pressure at work globally, and organisations such as Mental Health UK highlighting burnout as a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion triggered by prolonged stress, a pressing question confronts Thai society: is it actually possible to recover from burnout while staying on the job? (Refinery29)

A trauma therapist has spotlighted two rapid and practical techniques that can help people manage anxiety in seconds, offering new hope for those facing everyday stress. The methods, newly popularised through media and expert endorsement, promise to empower individuals at home or work — and may hold special relevance for Thais seeking quick, accessible mental health support.

Mental health and stress remain urgent issues for Thailand, where public surveys consistently show rising anxiety rates among students and working adults, especially post-pandemic. Quick and discreet stress-reduction methods, which do not require specialised equipment or lengthy practice, fit well with the needs of busy urbanites and cultural traditions that emphasise composure in public spaces (Ministry of Public Health).

A newly published review in JAMA Psychiatry has sparked controversy among mental health experts, raising concerns that it significantly underestimates the risks faced by long-term users of antidepressants when they attempt to discontinue their medication. The debate centers on the review’s focus on short-term, industry-funded studies and has important implications for millions worldwide, including a growing cohort of patients in Thailand who rely on antidepressant therapy.

Antidepressant withdrawal — the range of physical and psychological symptoms experienced when stopping or reducing dosage — has come under increased scrutiny as more people use these medications for extended periods. While previous medical guidelines, such as those from the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), described withdrawal as “brief and mild,” recent scrutiny has revealed a more complex picture, particularly for long-term users. The new JAMA Psychiatry review, authored in part by academics with ties to pharmaceutical companies, concludes that withdrawal symptoms from antidepressants are generally not clinically significant for most users, especially those on the medication for only eight to twelve weeks. Its analysis, based on eleven trials — the vast majority of which involved short-term use — found slightly more withdrawal symptoms in those stopping antidepressants than in placebo groups, but the authors attribute much of this to the “nocebo effect” (the power of negative expectations to trigger adverse symptoms) rather than to withdrawal itself.

A renowned trauma therapist has shared two fast, easy-to-do exercises that can help ease anxiety within seconds, promising immediate help for those feeling overwhelmed by stress or nerves. The recommendations come at a time when more Thais are seeking quick, accessible ways to manage their daily mental health—whether nervously anticipating a major presentation at work or dreading a challenging conversation at home. The latest guidance was highlighted on the US “Today” show by a doctor of trauma therapy and author, who stressed both the simplicity and effectiveness of these techniques, making them highly relevant for Thai readers navigating the pressures of modern life (Today.com).

The impact of relentless, negative news cycles on mental health has come under fresh scrutiny following new research and expert commentary, highlighting a growing need for healthier ways to stay informed without becoming overwhelmed. Recent analysis published by researchers from Monash University and Flinders University, as reported in ScienceAlert, suggests that while exposure to distressing news is almost unavoidable in contemporary society, engaging with news mindfully may help protect mental health and resilience for individuals in Thailand and worldwide (sciencealert.com).

Amid an alarming surge in job cuts across the United States in 2025, a new wave of layoff anxiety is sweeping through the workforce, driving Americans to work harder but ultimately burning out faster, experts warn. A recent CNBC report highlights the unprecedented level of job insecurity: nearly 700,000 layoffs were reported in the first five months of the year—an 80% spike compared to the same period in 2024—leaving 46% of workers worried about their future employment and exposing stark psychological tolls (CNBC).

A new study has revealed that “virtual forest bathing”—experiencing the sights, sounds, and even scents of natural forests through digital technology—can significantly reduce stress and boost mood, offering potential mental health benefits to people with limited access to nature. As Thailand’s cities grow increasingly dense and natural green spaces become harder to access for many urbanites, these findings carry important implications for stress management and wellness across the kingdom.

Originating from Japan, the concept of “forest bathing” or Shinrin Yoku involves spending quiet, undistracted time in a forest environment to calm the mind and promote health. Traditionally, this practice fosters deep immersion in nature, but modern lifestyles and urban expansion are rapidly separating millions—including Thais in cities like Bangkok—from such restorative environments. With green spaces shrinking and daily pressures mounting, experts have been exploring alternative methods to connect people with nature’s healing effects, even from within the cityscape.

As Thailand’s society becomes increasingly aware of mental health challenges, especially post-pandemic, many are grappling with the often unseen social costs of depression. Recent global research and lived experiences—like that described in Slate’s recent advice column about a decade-old friendship tested by one friend’s withdrawal and history of depression—highlight a growing dilemma: when a person’s struggle with a common illness like depression begins to erode the very bonds that once provided support and joy, what are friends to do? slate.com

A new nationwide study reveals that pastors, traditionally seen as frontline counselors in their communities, are now providing less counseling than a decade ago, have fewer resources for referrals, and are increasingly isolated with their own struggles. The Lifeway Research survey, involving over 1,500 evangelical and Black Protestant pastors across the United States, underscores an important shift in how spiritual leaders participate in mental health care—a development with broad implications for faith communities worldwide, including Thailand.

A new wellness trend known as the “cortisol cocktail” has taken TikTok by storm, with users around the world — including in Thailand — mixing up alcohol-free mocktails touted to reduce stress and lower the body’s main stress hormone, cortisol. But while influencers and wellness bloggers swear by the drink’s benefits, medical experts remain skeptical, emphasizing the lack of robust clinical evidence supporting these claims and urging caution for certain groups of people.

A quiet revolution is reshaping screens across Asia: Korean dramas, or K-dramas, are boldly reclaiming mental health narratives, breaking longstanding stigmas and fostering new conversations. Once shadowed by shame and silence, topics such as depression, anxiety, autism, and workplace stress are now portrayed with empathy and nuance in prime-time Korean series—offering hope, healing, and representation to millions of viewers across the region, including Thailand.

For decades, mental health themes were largely absent or misrepresented in Asian popular culture. K-dramas, long a staple among Thai audiences for their romance and family conflicts, were no exception. Societal attitudes in South Korea placed mental health on the far side of taboos, rarely discussed openly, let alone explored on television. But as understanding of mental wellness expanded globally, content creators in Korea began to tackle these sensitive topics head-on, blending storytelling with therapeutic insight.

A major new study from Norway has found that children born later in the school year—those who are the youngest in their class—are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with mental health problems than their older classmates. The research, which analyzed data from over one million children, has ignited global debate over how education systems, including Thailand’s, may inadvertently disadvantage their youngest students through rigid school entry cut-off dates. Experts are now urging policymakers and educators to reconsider age-based class placements and provide additional support to mitigate these long-term mental health risks.

A sweeping new study has found that rates of depression and severe psychological distress differ widely across job sectors, with employees in retail, food service, media, and healthcare support among the most at risk. The findings underscore the urgent need for tailored workplace mental health strategies, particularly as young adults and women are shown to be disproportionately affected.

The research, led by a team at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, analyzed data from over 536,000 working adults across 37 US states, collected between 2015 and 2019. The results, published in JAMA Network Open (JAMA Network Open, June 2025), paint a nuanced portrait of how occupation, age, gender, and insurance status shape mental well-being across the labor market. This information is particularly timely for Thailand, where the impacts of economic change, urbanization, and shifting industry are reshaping the workforce and its vulnerabilities.

A new wave of research is shedding light on the heavy toll financial stress is exacting on individuals’ mental health and sleep, with implications that resonate strongly in Thailand’s own escalating cost-of-living crisis. While a recent US-based study conducted by the Affordable Housing Hub found that over half of surveyed adults lose sleep over money worries, the underlying story has deep international relevance—including for Thai society, where struggles with financial anxiety, depression, and insomnia are rising sharply (ksby.com).

A new wave of research and reporting highlights a worsening crisis in rural mental health care, as demand for services surges past the capacity of strained health systems in countryside communities. The latest reporting by the Minnesota Star Tribune’s editorial columnist underscores the deepening struggles faced by rural patients in accessing timely mental health support, a scenario with stark parallels for rural regions in Thailand and other countries Star Tribune.

Experts warn that the longer people wait for mental health care, the likelier it becomes they will reach a dangerous crisis. In rural Minnesota, shortages of mental health professionals and persistent stigma mean many residents only receive treatment after reaching an emergency—a predicament familiar to rural Thais and health policymakers worldwide. “Treatments are effective, but we can’t meet the needs,” said the executive director at the Minnesota chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, emphasizing how insufficient resources and societal attitudes compound the mental health burden.

More than half of adults surveyed in a new study admit that financial stress is robbing them of sleep, highlighting a deepening crisis as economic anxieties seep into every corner of daily life. The research, conducted by Affordable Housing Hub and released in late June 2025, polled 1,000 U.S. participants and found 53% reported losing sleep due to money worries. Nearly half confessed to depending on credit cards to meet basic needs like food and utilities. These findings echo similar struggles in countries like Thailand, where rising living costs and unsteady employment have combined to create a potent source of chronic stress (KSBY.com).