Mental Health

A simple mix of daily sunlight, short mindfulness moments, and expressive activities such as pillow screaming is gaining traction as practical steps to support mental well-being. These approaches align with May’s Mental Health Awareness Month, emphasizing small, consistent habits that can improve mood and resilience.

For Thai audiences, these ideas connect with local health perspectives and everyday life. Anxiety, burnout, and stress have risen in recent years, influenced by pandemic disruptions and rapid social change. Experts say embracing authentic emotions, building gentle routines, and safe outlets for frustration can help people feel more in control without needing drastic life changes.

Screaming into a pillow, daily walks in sunlight, and even doing “nothing” without guilt have emerged as surprisingly effective practices to boost mental health, according to the latest in-depth reports from wellness experts and recent news features. As May marks Mental Health Awareness Month globally, these accessible and sometimes unconventional strategies are getting fresh attention—backed by the lived experience of mental health writers, new gadgets, and scientific insights from psychiatrists and psychologists.

Chronic stress has become an increasingly prominent concern in both global and Thai society, exacerbated by rapid digitalization, economic pressures, and disruptions to daily life. A new wave of research led by experts in behavioral psychology highlights practical, evidence-based techniques for managing persistent stress. According to a recent article from The Conversation, the discussion on “cortisol face”, which refers to the physical impact of sustained stress—such as puffiness and fatigue—underlines how crucial it is to address mental strain for long-term health beyond mere appearances (The Conversation).

Chronic stress is a rising concern in Thai society as urban living, digital demands, and economic pressures intensify. New behavioral psychology research highlights practical, evidence-based techniques to manage persistent stress. A recent Conversation feature underscores the link between long-term stress and physical signs like puffiness and fatigue, emphasizing that addressing mental strain is essential for lasting health beyond appearances.

In Thailand, chronic stress affects heart health, mental well-being, and daily functioning across workplaces, schools, and families. Elevated cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, is normal in short bursts but harmful when persistent. Local healthcare professionals note how sustained cortisol can impact metabolism, immunity, and even appearance, reinforcing the need for accessible stress-reduction strategies.

As exam season intensifies across Thailand, mental health experts are sounding the alarm over rising levels of psychological distress among teenagers, with mounting research showing that exam stress can easily spiral into more severe mental health challenges if left unaddressed. Recent expert commentary, together with new policy scrutiny, is shedding light on how parents and educators can identify the turning point where ordinary anxiety becomes a call for urgent intervention, and what steps actually help teens through this pressure-cooker period.

As Thailand enters peak exam season, mental health experts warn that rising distress among teens can quickly become a serious problem if left unaddressed. Policy discussions and clinician insights offer practical steps for parents and teachers to spot when anxiety crosses into danger and how students can cope during this demanding period.

For many Thai students, high-stakes tests such as the Ordinary National Educational Test (O-NET), GAT/PAT, or university entrance assessments trigger sleepless nights, fear of failure, and family tensions. Some stress can sharpen focus, but warning signs signal when anxiety becomes harmful. A Bangkok-based clinical lead at a major psychiatric hospital notes that persistent worry, overwhelm, panic episodes, avoidance of school or revision, and escalating negative self-talk indicate risk. Physical symptoms like stomach problems and insomnia, along with unhealthy coping behaviors such as self-harm or substance use, require immediate attention.

A recent study signals potential mental health benefits from probiotics, showing that daily supplementation can noticeably lessen stress, anxiety, and fatigue in healthy adults within about two weeks. Conducted by researchers at Leiden University and published in npj Mental Health Research, the study tracks mood changes daily rather than relying on infrequent questionnaires. The results suggest a targeted reduction in negative mood states without dampening positive emotions, highlighting the gut–brain connection as a practical area for everyday well-being.

A new study has brought fresh optimism to the field of mental health, revealing that taking probiotics—commonly known for their gut health benefits—can also significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and fatigue within as little as two weeks. The research, led by scientists at Leiden University and published in the journal npj Mental Health Research, offers compelling evidence that daily probiotic supplementation can swiftly improve negative mood in healthy adults, sparking interest in the gut-brain connection and its relevance for everyday well-being (scitechdaily.com, nature.com).

Michelle Obama recently spoke openly about using therapy to navigate a major life transition. At 60, she describes therapy as a “tune-up” for entering a new phase, after guiding her family through decades of public life. She shared that she has completed a difficult chapter with her family intact and is now navigating emptiness as an empty nester. Her honesty highlights the emotional complexity of redefining personal identity after years of public duties and parental responsibilities.

Former United States First Lady and global role model, Michelle Obama, has spoken candidly about how therapy is supporting her through a new life transition, opening up an international conversation about the mental health needs faced by women—especially during major milestones like empty nest syndrome and the move into later adulthood. In a recent video clip shared by the Daily Mail US, Mrs. Obama revealed that at age 60, seeking therapy has helped her process the “hard thing” of completing a significant phase in her life, maintaining her family’s integrity, and launching her daughters into independence. Her statements—“I’m in therapy right now because I’m transitioning… I’ve finished a really hard thing in my life with my family intact, I’m an empty nester…”—illustrate the emotional complexity of embracing new personal identities after decades of family and public obligations (The Star).

As the afternoon slump sets in and the aroma of bubble tea or a tempting chocolate snack wafts through the office, many find themselves reaching for a sugary or caffeinated pick-me-up—often with little resistance. Yet, according to recent research highlighted in a new report by Channel News Asia, these everyday cravings may reveal more than just a passing sweet tooth; they are deeply connected to how individuals cope with stress and regulate their emotional wellbeing (Channel News Asia).

In Bangkok’s crowded streets and bustling offices, an afternoon snack break is a familiar ritual. Long workdays and constant connectivity push many toward sweets or coffee. A Southeast Asia–focused review shows these cravings reflect more than taste: they reveal how people cope with stress and manage mood.

Experts describe a nuanced link between sugar, caffeine, and emotional wellbeing. A registered dietitian notes that sugary foods can briefly activate the brain’s reward system, lifting mood. Moderate caffeine can improve alertness and help counter short-night sleep, supporting focus during deadlines.

A new study highlights a troubling trend: about one in three U.S. college students are considering leaving university, driven largely by emotional stress and mental health challenges. This alarming finding signals a growing crisis in higher education that resonates beyond borders and speaks to Thai readers about student wellbeing and resilience.

Post-pandemic academics have intensified pressures—from heavy coursework and financial concerns to social isolation. For Thai audiences, the issue echoes local experiences at universities where surveys show emotional wellbeing increasingly affects both students and faculty. With Thai institutions expanding global partnerships and competition intensifying, the mental health dimension remains a critical factor in student success.

A striking new study has revealed that nearly a third of college students in the United States are planning to drop out of university, citing emotional stress and mental health challenges as key factors. This finding, reported in El Adelantado, underscores the growing mental health crisis facing young people in higher education—a trend with far-reaching implications, including for students and educators in Thailand.

This surge in student stress has come to the forefront as college life post-pandemic presents fresh hurdles, from academic pressures and financial worries to pervasive feelings of isolation. For Thai readers, these findings mirror familiar concerns in local universities, where recent surveys suggest that emotional wellbeing is an increasing challenge for both faculty and students. As societies in both the U.S. and Thailand compete in a globally demanding education landscape, the mental health toll is increasingly hard to ignore.

A large-scale study challenges the idea that narcissists are a single type. Researchers identify four distinct narcissistic profiles, showing that confidence can mask insecurities. Published in the Journal of Research in Personality, the work aims to deepen clinical understanding and improve everyday interactions. Data were collected from more than 50,000 adults across three general-population samples using the Narcissism Admiration and Rivalry Questionnaire (NARQ), which separates narcissism into admiration (self-enhancement) and rivalry (defensive aggression).

A groundswell of new research is challenging the widespread perception that gossip is simply a destructive habit, with evidence emerging that exchanging tidbits about others can actually benefit our mental health and strengthen social bonds. According to psychology experts cited in a recent Fox News report, indulging in gossip—in moderation—could be a surprisingly positive force in our daily lives, while cautioning that, as with many things, too much can turn sour (Fox News). Scientific publications and scholars are re-examining the nature and potential good of gossip, compelling societies like Thailand to re-evaluate how these informal conversations fit into communal life.

New research is reshaping the idea that gossip is purely harmful. Studies suggest that sharing small, accurate information about others can benefit mental health and strengthen social bonds when done in moderation. Experts say gossip can function as social navigation, helping people decide who to trust while maintaining group cohesion. This perspective invites Thailand to rethink how casual conversations fit into daily life.

In Thai culture, gossip often carries a stigma, associated with discord or reputational harm. The proverb “Silence is golden” reflects a long-standing value placed on discretion. Yet in workplaces, schools, temples, and family gatherings, conversations about others persist. These exchanges can entertain, offer warnings, or reinforce community norms, alongside the risk of harm.

A groundbreaking new study has revealed that not all narcissists are cut from the same cloth. Instead, there are four distinct personality subtypes linked to narcissistic traits, with experts cautioning that some individuals may project confidence while grappling with hidden insecurities beneath the surface. The findings, recently published in the Journal of Research in Personality, are shaking up the conventional scholarly understanding of narcissism and could have wide-reaching implications for clinical psychology and everyday relationships alike (psypost.org).

Fear is a natural ally that protects us from harm. For millions, though, it becomes a relentless force that dictates daily choices, strains education and work, and reshapes family life. A recent in-depth feature highlights how fear-driven conditions such as phobias, OCD, anxiety, and PTSD affect people and points to effective treatment paths. The piece also reflects on how Thai families experience similar challenges and what care looks like in Thailand today.

Fear is recognized as a vital part of the human experience, protecting us from harm and danger. Yet for millions of people around the globe, this essential emotion can morph into something far more disruptive—a relentless force that governs daily decisions, limits social, academic, and work accomplishments, and even reshapes family dynamics. A new in-depth feature by Deseret News has brought renewed attention to the real, often unseen impact of fear-driven mental health conditions such as phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), highlighting not just individual struggles but emerging, effective treatment approaches as well (Deseret News).

Popular health trends recently have seen a surge in interest in so-called “cortisol bellies” and “cortisol faces,” fueled by viral social media posts and a spike in online searches for cortisol-related health advice. These buzzwords, while catchy, attempt to simplify the highly complex biological processes behind how our bodies respond to chronic stress—sometimes sparking unnecessary worry among Thai and global audiences.

Cortisol, often dubbed the “stress hormone,” is produced by the adrenal glands and plays a critical role in helping the body respond to stress. When stress levels rise, so does the production of cortisol, which can affect multiple body systems—regulating metabolism, controlling blood sugar, influencing immune responses, and aiding in fat storage. According to a recent report by the National Post, online searches for information on cortisol, its “trigger foods,” and supposed “cortisol detoxes” have climbed dramatically in the past year, reflecting the growing anxiety about how stress hormones may visibly influence appearance and health (MSN).

A surge in online interest has fueled claims about “cortisol bellies” and “cortisol faces.” Viral posts and trending searches can magnify misinformation. For Thai audiences, it’s vital to separate catchy terms from solid science and consider how stress, lifestyle, and genetics shape health.

Cortisol is often called the “stress hormone.” It helps the body respond to stress and affects several systems, including metabolism, blood sugar, immune function, and fat storage. Data from recent health reporting shows that curiosity about cortisol, “trigger foods,” and supposed “cortisol detoxes” has risen sharply, reflecting anxiety about how stress might influence appearance and health.

A growing body of research and recent commentary suggest that society’s heightened focus on mental health could paradoxically be undermining our collective sense of well-being. This provocative notion—explored in a recent article by The Telegraph—raises questions about whether our cultural “fixation” with monitoring, diagnosing, and discussing mental health might be fueling anxiety, undermining resilience, and, ironically, making us more miserable. The debate is especially relevant in Thailand, where stigma around mental health is gradually lifting, but imported Western mental health models are being embraced with mixed results.

A growing body of research suggests that our increasing attention to mental health may not always boost happiness. A recent analysis in The Telegraph questions whether constant monitoring, diagnosing, and discussing wellbeing could, in some cases, heighten anxiety and reduce resilience. The discussion matters in Thailand, where stigma around mental health is easing, yet Western models are adopted with mixed results.

Globally, mental health awareness surged after the COVID-19 pandemic, with schools, workplaces, and governments promoting openness and reducing stigma. In Thailand, universities, government bodies, and NGOs have expanded counselling and support services. Yet commentators warn that relentless attention to mental health can, paradoxically, make people more anxious.