Mental Health

A wave of international research is prompting a global rethinking of how antidepressants are prescribed, especially in the United States where these drugs are widely used to treat depression, anxiety, and sleep problems. New findings challenge long-held beliefs about how these medications work, their long-term benefits, and their risks. The implications extend beyond the U.S., influencing mental health practices in Thailand as local care evolves.

In recent years, antidepressants moved from tightly controlled clinical tools to commonly endorsed remedies. Guidelines in some parts of the United States often recommend antidepressants as a first-line treatment for mild to moderate depression, a stance that contrasts with guidance from global health authorities and Thai care providers who emphasize caution for milder cases. The Covid-19 era saw a surge in prescriptions, underscoring a strong reliance on these medications within American health systems.

Chronic stress is not just a feeling—it quietly undermines health. New research shows persistent stress can disrupt mental health and affect nearly every body system. For Thai readers, understanding these effects is essential amid ongoing social and economic pressures.

In Thailand, stress is a national concern. Surveys indicate a substantial portion of students experience high stress, highlighting how academic and family pressures can shape well-being from a young age. Economic and social uncertainties also contribute to daily strains. Data from Thai health authorities suggests substantial costs tied to stress-related illnesses, underscoring the urgency of prevention and support. In this context, stress often becomes a daily reality for many families and workers.

Chronic stress is more than just a feeling—recent research highlights how persistent stress acts as a silent saboteur, disrupting not only mental health but also impairing nearly every system in the body, according to a report by WBAL-TV quoting Dr. Kim Anderson, regional clinical director at the Eating Recovery Center/Pathlight Mood and Anxiety Center. As we live through increasingly stressful times, understanding these effects is essential for safeguarding long-term health, especially for Thai readers who face unique cultural and socioeconomic pressures (WBALTV).

Flight anxiety is rising as aviation incidents capture global attention. Recent high-profile crashes and near-misses have intensified worries among travelers, flight crews, and aviation workers. For Thai travelers—whether visiting ASEAN neighbours, conducting business, or joining religious journeys—the renewed fear of flying presents personal and cultural challenges that deserve thoughtful, practical coverage.

Global data suggest that millions experience significant flight-related anxiety. A 2025 survey indicates only about two-thirds of U.S. adults view flying as safe, a drop from the previous year, implying a broader rise in unease. Experts warn that perception can outpace actual risk, especially when media coverage amplifies rare events. Psychologists note that even seasoned flyers report heightened sensitivity to takeoffs, turbulence, and confinement inside an aircraft cabin.

As recent high-profile air disasters reverberate around the globe—including January’s deadly U.S. plane crash, the worst in over two decades—more people than ever are wrestling with intense anxieties about flying. Psychologists, flight attendants, and industry experts are witnessing a sharp uptick in flight-related worries, with even seasoned travelers and aviation workers expressing unprecedented discomfort in the wake of recent events (AP News, National Geographic, MSU Denver RED, NY Post). For Thai travelers—many of whom journey by air within ASEAN and beyond for work, leisure, or pilgrimage—the resurgence of “fear of flying” (aviophobia) presents unique personal and cultural challenges.

Trauma leaves deep psychological scars, yet recent research offers practical paths for recovery. Global findings highlight resilience, targeted interventions, and community support as key ingredients. In Thailand, where communities have faced natural disasters, political tensions, and personal loss, these insights hold particular relevance for accessible mental health care and destigmatization.

Survivors often grapple with intense emotions, nightmares, and a feeling that healing is out of reach. Experts stress that recovery is possible and depends on a combination of therapeutic approaches, steady social support, and culturally attuned care. A recent piece on trauma recovery in Pahalgam documented the effectiveness of gradual exposure to traumatic memories—an approach now widely recognized as a cornerstone of healing when guided by professionals. In 2024, research consistently underscored that controlled exposure, rather than avoidance, supports long-term recovery. This finding aligns with broader evidence on trauma-informed care and motivates adaptive strategies for Thai patients.

In the wake of tragedies like those witnessed in Pahalgam, communities around the world are asking the same, urgent question: how can trauma survivors deal with the emotional fallout and rebuild their lives? Recent research offers a blend of insight and hope for individuals struggling with the deep psychological wounds caused by trauma—a topic that resonates in Thailand, where many have experienced crises ranging from natural disasters to personal loss.

Hollywood actor Penn Badgley’s recent disclosure about his struggle with body dysmorphia has resonated widely, igniting crucial conversations about mental health, celebrity culture, and the influence of media on self-image both in the West and here in Thailand. In a heartfelt interview with The Guardian, Badgley—best known for his roles in “Gossip Girl” and “You”—shared, “I know that I hated my body and simply wanted a different one…I was jumping wilfully into, but also being thrust into, this world where the more conventionally beautiful I seemed, the more successful I might be, the more value I might have” (The Guardian). His frank admission has sparked international attention, highlighting the often-hidden torment experienced by people living with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and underscoring the urgent need for public awareness and intervention—especially in visually oriented societies.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital—recognized across the US for its leadership in pediatric health—has announced a major rebranding and expansion of its high-profile children’s mental health program. The “On Our Sleeves” initiative, which since 2018 has distributed free educational resources to over 15 million Americans, will now move forward as The Kids Mental Health Foundation, signaling a deepened mission to address the growing mental health crisis among youth nationwide (source).

This change comes at a pivotal moment for parents, educators, and health professionals. The US Surgeon General and other health authorities have described children’s mental health as a “national crisis.” In Thailand, as in the US, teachers and families report rising anxieties about the long-term effects of academic stress, social media, and the lingering aftermath of COVID-19 on youth wellbeing—a concern very much echoed in the recent US survey conducted by The Kids Mental Health Foundation, where 70% of nearly 540 parents said they are worried about their children’s mental health, and almost 40% said they are “very concerned” (source).

Thai readers may remember the spectacular social media phenomenon a decade ago, when people across the world — from celebrities to schoolchildren — doused themselves in ice water for the original Ice Bucket Challenge. Launched in 2014, the trend raised over US$220 million globally for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), known in Thai as โรคกล้ามเนื้ออ่อนแรง (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and brought international attention to a previously little-known disease. Now, in 2025, the challenge is back — but with an urgent new purpose: breaking the silence around mental health, especially among young people (NBC News, New York Times).

A deeply personal story recently published in the Daily Mail, titled “I almost ended my life on antidepressants, ditching them saved me,” has struck a chord with readers who are questioning the impact of long-term antidepressant use and the consequences of withdrawal. This article arrives at a time of intensifying scientific scrutiny and public debate, as researchers worldwide uncover mounting evidence that discontinuing antidepressant medications can result in a complex and sometimes debilitating set of symptoms—findings that are directly relevant to an increasing number of Thai people prescribed these medicines for depression and anxiety.

Flying abroad brings excitement for many Thais, whether for work, study, or leisure. But turbulence can trigger anxiety, leaving passengers gripping armrests and silently wishing for a smoother ride. A recent feature distills expert-backed strategies from flight attendants to help travelers stay calm and informed.

Turbulence is a common in-flight experience, and many passengers catastrophize brief bumps in the sky. For Thai travelers, especially first-timers during a travel rebound after the pandemic, understanding turbulence can lessen fear. Insights from seasoned flight attendants demystify this aviation reality and offer actionable guidance.

In an era marked by economic volatility, global trade uncertainties, and the unrelenting pressure of leading large organizations, CEOs are reimagining their approaches to stress management—drawing from meditation, nature immersion, and even curated social media use to maintain their well-being. A recent report from Business Insider highlights how prominent executives are using a mix of traditional and modern wellness tactics to thrive under pressure, offering practical insights for leaders and professionals in Thailand who may be experiencing similar workplace stressors (Business Insider, 2025).

Chris Martin, the frontman of Coldplay, has chosen candor over bravado. In a heartfelt video recorded after a recent Hong Kong concert, he speaks openly about his battle with depression and offers routines that help him stay grounded. His honesty is driving an international conversation about mental health and helping to reduce stigma for millions of fans worldwide.

For Thai readers, Martin’s openness resonates deeply. In Thailand, as in many parts of Asia, mental health struggles are often stigmatized. Seeking help for depression or anxiety can be seen as a sign of weakness and may risk social repercussions. Yet global research shows mental health disorders, including depression, are leading causes of disability in Thailand. Data from Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health indicates a substantial number of Thais live with diagnosed depressive disorders, though under-reporting means the true figure is higher. Public figures speaking openly about mental health can normalize the conversation and encourage help-seeking, according to a Bangkok-based psychologist who notes that celebrity disclosures can reduce shame and increase support-seeking.

Amid flashing lights and roaring stadiums, Chris Martin—frontman of world-renowned band Coldplay—has chosen vulnerability over bravado. In a heartfelt Instagram video recorded after Coldplay’s recent concert in Hong Kong, Martin openly discussed his personal battle with depression, offering advice and resources to his millions of fans. “I’ve noticed that some people lately, including myself, are struggling a little bit with depression,” he shared, before detailing routines and strategies that have helped him navigate these difficult emotions. The British singer’s honesty has sparked an international conversation on the lived realities of mental illness, further destigmatizing a topic that affects millions yet is still often shrouded in shame and silence.

A surge of online gambling is capturing the attention of educators and parents as Thai high school students increasingly encounter virtual poker, casino apps, and other digital betting platforms. While global data show rising adolescent gambling, Thailand faces unique challenges as mobile access, social media, and informal networks blend with everyday life. Research from leading medical and public health institutions indicates that teens who start gambling early are more prone to long-term issues, underscoring the need for proactive awareness and intervention.

For many Thais, the thought of flying abroad—whether for business, study, or leisure—evokes excitement, but also anxiety. This is especially true when a smooth journey is suddenly interrupted by turbulence, leaving passengers gripping their armrests and silently chanting “สาธุ” (sa-thu) for safe passage. A new feature published on HuffPost, “How To Calm Anxiety During Turbulence, According To Flight Attendants” (source), brings comfort by distilling practical, expert-backed strategies straight from the world’s most seasoned flyers.

An intensifying mental health crisis among American youth has pushed hundreds of desperate parents to an agonizing decision: relinquishing custody of their own children to the state, simply to obtain the urgent, specialized mental health care unavailable to them otherwise. Recent stories brought to light by USA TODAY, including the harrowing experience of Nina Richtman in Iowa, highlight not only immense personal suffering but also systemic gaps in health and social support across the United States, reverberating with important lessons for Thai families, policymakers, and healthcare providers alike (USA TODAY 2025).

Depression has reached record highs in the United States, with new research from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealing a stark increase in prevalence and persistent disparities in access to treatment. Drawing data from the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, the recent survey—conducted between August 2021 and August 2023—sheds light on both the growing scale of the problem and the obstacles many face in seeking help. As similar trends emerge in Thailand and across Asia, the findings carry important lessons for the Kingdom and the broader region amidst evolving mental health challenges.

A public disagreement in New York City over how to tackle a growing mental health crisis has caught international attention and offers timely lessons for Thailand. Mayor Eric Adams criticized a plan proposed by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams that would create more administrative panels and oversight bodies, calling it neglectful because it would not deliver immediate, on-the-ground help to those in crisis. The exchange highlights a core policy question: does addressing mental health require more bureaucracy or faster, direct intervention?

The move to eliminate the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has stirred concern across the global health community. This policy shift raises urgent questions about how changes in a leading economy affect mental health systems in Southeast Asia, including Thailand. Experts warn that removing a dedicated national body can destabilize data collection, evidence-based practices, and coordinated care—especially when suicide and substance-use harms remain pressing public health challenges.

A major hospital network in New York’s Hudson Valley has agreed to overhaul its mental health services amid findings of serious care lapses during a state investigation—a move being closely watched by healthcare advocates internationally, including in Thailand, as systems globally grapple with post-pandemic gaps in psychiatric care (Gothamist). The action underscores both ongoing struggles in mental healthcare access and increasing government pressure for reform in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic’s disruptions.

A major hospital network in New York’s Hudson Valley has agreed to overhaul its mental health services after a state investigation uncovered serious care lapses. The reforms are watched by health advocates globally, including in Thailand, as health systems address post-pandemic gaps in psychiatric care. Public health experts say this case highlights how oversight and accountability can drive meaningful improvement.

WMCHealth, which operates nine hospitals in the Hudson Valley, has entered a legally binding settlement to restore psychiatric beds closed during the pandemic and strengthen emergency mental health protocols. HealthAlliance Hospital in Kingston, part of the WMCHealth system, reopened 20 psychiatric beds in December 2024 in response to the investigation. The network also plans a new 20-bed psychiatric unit at MidHudson Regional Hospital in Poughkeepsie, a move announced by New York Attorney General Letitia James.

The Ice Bucket Challenge, which captivated the world in 2014 and raised more than US$220 million for ALS research, is back in 2025 with a new mission. This time, university students in the United States are steering a movement to break the silence around mental health among young people. The campaign uses the familiar ritual of pouring ice-cold water over the head, sharing the moment online, and tagging friends, but funds now support Active Minds, a nonprofit focused on youth mental health and suicide prevention.