Mental Health

The experience of a long-term therapy user whose therapist seems to be increasingly forgetful has sparked a broader dialogue about expectations and responsibilities within therapeutic relationships. The account, shared in Slate’s “Dear Prudence” advice column, highlights a growing concern about professional standards in mental health treatment and emphasizes the importance of the therapist’s role in creating a supportive environment for psychological growth.

A reader, under the pseudonym “Forgettable,” described feeling dismissed and invisible after their therapist forgot key discussions from past sessions. This breach of memory was particularly jarring as it contradicted the therapist’s initial eagerness to continue regular meetings. The case raises an essential question about the reliability and competence expected from mental health professionals, especially when personal issues of the therapist may interfere with their responsibilities. The reader’s predicament touches on a significant aspect of therapy—trust and consistency, which are prerequisites for effective treatment.

A growing crisis in adolescent mental health is highlighted by a new report revealing that many suicidal teens are not seeking the help they desperately need. Amid increasing pressures from academic, societal, and personal fronts, these young individuals often choose silence over seeking support, casting a worrying shadow over future mental health outcomes.

The context for this crisis is sobering. In a large-scale survey involving 17,000 high school students across the United States, a staggering 42% reported experiencing symptoms of clinical depression. Particularly among girls and LGBTQ+ youth, the numbers are alarming: 57% of girls and a distressing 69% of LGBTQ+ teens reported feeling depressed. This demographic is further burdened by the prevalence of suicidal thoughts, with one in three girls and one in two LGBTQ+ youth having considered suicide over the past year (source).

A groundbreaking eight-year study from Finland has revealed that early childhood screen time is significantly linked to increased levels of stress and depressive symptoms among teenagers. Published in JAMA Network Open, this research is crucial for parents in Thailand and across the globe as it underscores the importance of managing digital device usage during critical developmental years source.

The study follows the Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children (PANIC) cohort, involving 187 children tracked from ages 6 to 9 up to their teenage years. It highlights that children who logged more hours on phones and tablets tended to face more severe mental health challenges in adolescence. With mental health issues in teens becoming more prevalent, particularly with symptoms typically emerging during these years, the findings are a wake-up call for those raising the future generation.

In light of the recent increases in soldiers experiencing psychological trauma, the youth of Thailand might find hope in the innovative Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) treatment. Recently highlighted by experts in this Jerusalem Post article, SGB presents a potentially radical advancement in addressing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), particularly in high-stress populations like military personnel. With PTSD being an ongoing concern globally, understanding and exploring new treatment options resonates beyond borders, including here in Thailand where mental health awareness is burgeoning.

In recent scientific developments, night owls—people who naturally stay up late—have been found to have an elevated risk of depression compared to their early-rising counterparts. According to a study published in March 2025, factors such as sleep quality, mindfulness practices, and lifestyle choices play significant roles in this increased risk. This emerging research holds particular relevance for Thailand, where the impact of urban lifestyles and technological engagement contributes to shifting sleep patterns.

In a recent feature by WGN Chicago, a therapist has been highlighted for utilizing nature-based therapy as a significant pathway towards mental health recovery. This innovative approach integrates natural settings into the therapeutic process to facilitate psychological healing and well-being. As mental health issues continue to rise globally, integrating nature into therapy offers a refreshing and promising alternative that resonates well with the human need for connection with the environment.

With the vibrancy of spring comes the opportunity to cast off the lingering malaise of winter months, a period for which many seek to boost their mental health. A groundbreaking study recently highlighted by 9NEWS offers a compelling prescription: rethink what’s on your plate. Led by significant research efforts, this large-scale study unveils a profound link between dietary habits and mental health, inviting us to consider food choices with renewed intent.

Recent research is shedding light on the intriguing connection between our sleep habits, known as chronotypes, and mental health outcomes. A study by scientists from the University of Surrey highlights that individuals who identify as “night owls” are more susceptible to depression than their “early riser” counterparts. This difference is primarily linked to sleep quality, mindfulness levels, and lifestyle choices source.

Understanding the significance of this research matters for the Thai community, where lifestyle changes and an increasing urban population might influence sleep habits. The concept of “night owls” refers to those who prefer staying active during late hours, a trend amplified by the “always on” society filled with digital distractions and round-the-clock connectivity. For individuals in Thailand, where work, education, and social engagements can extend into late-night hours, recognizing the impact of these habits on mental health is crucial.

New York City’s controversial approach to managing severe mental illness through involuntary hospitalization has stirred significant debate, presenting a case study from which Thailand could glean insights. As lawmakers in Albany consider expanding the powers of city and state authorities to remove individuals displaying acute mental health symptoms—whether homeless or not—off the streets and into care facilities, the discourse encapsulates a profound conflict between autonomy and societal safety.

The initiative spearheaded by Mayor Eric Adams, criticized by some city councilmembers, utilizes involuntary hospitalization as a strategy to direct individuals experiencing mental health crises towards psychiatric care, even against their will. Despite the administration’s intent, concerns are mounting over systemic shortcomings. Figures and findings from 2024 highlight notable disparities: many individuals, post-removal, weren’t admitted for inpatient treatment, and the efficacy of their subsequent care remains unclear. A Council report further reveals a racial discrepancy—54% of those removed were Black, a demographic representation starkly disproportionate to their 23% share of the city’s population.

In a groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at King’s College London, a brain pathway known as the kynurenine pathway is being explored for its potential role in the higher rates of depression observed in teenage girls compared to boys. As reported by Medical Xpress, this study is pivotal in understanding the underlying biological factors that contribute to depression, which affects approximately 280 million people globally.

The significance of this study lies in its focus on adolescence—a developmental stage marked by significant neurological and psychological changes. The research examines how the kynurenine pathway, which processes the amino acid tryptophan into either neuroprotective or neurotoxic chemicals, differs in its operation between male and female adolescents. This research is particularly poignant for Thai adolescents, as mental health awareness grows within the country amidst shifting cultural norms and increasing academic pressures.