Mental Health

A new crisis care model in Utah could reshape how mental health emergencies are handled in Thailand. The opening of the Kem and Carolyn Gardner Crisis Care Center marks a shift toward specialized, walk-in mental health services that avoid the stigma and delays common in traditional emergency rooms. According to Dr. Bob Carter, CEO of University Health, this center is among the first to provide immediate care without requiring a hospital admission, offering a compassionate alternative to generic ER care.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) often remains shrouded in misunderstanding and stigma, but a number of high-profile figures are working to change that narrative. Recent revelations by celebrities such as Camila Cabello, Will Poulter, and Amanda Seyfried bring attention to the realities of living with OCD, emphasizing its complexity beyond common stereotypes. These personal accounts not only resonate deeply with fans but also highlight misconceptions, encouraging a dialogue that relates both personally and to the broader struggles within Thai society regarding mental health awareness.

Obessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) remains misunderstood in many communities, but public figures are helping to shift the narrative. Celebrities such as Camila Cabello, Will Poulter, and Amanda Seyfried have opened up about living with OCD, highlighting its complexity beyond stereotypes. Their stories resonate with fans and offer timely insight for Thai audiences grappling with mental health awareness in a society where openness is gradually growing.

In Thailand, mental health topics can still be stigmatized, with many people hesitant to seek help. When well-known figures share their experiences, it can normalize conditions like OCD and encourage timely treatment. Cabello spoke about intrusive thoughts and the compulsion to recheck and repeat certain thoughts due to fear of negative outcomes. This candid account sheds light on the repetitive cycles that many with OCD endure and underlines the value of professional support.

As Thailand welcomes spring, with vibrant cherry blossoms and other exquisite flowers adorning our landscapes, new research underscores a fascinating aspect of these natural beauties: they have tangible health benefits. Not just a feast for the eyes, flowers might be a simple and effective part of stress relief strategies. Recent studies, notably one conducted in 2020, highlight that even viewing an image of a flower can significantly reduce stress by lowering negative emotions, decreasing blood pressure, and diminishing cortisol levels, the hormone primarily responsible for stress.

A renowned ultra-endurance rower, Angus Collins, is turning his remarkable athletic journey into a campaign for men’s mental health. Collins, famous for setting five world records and becoming the youngest to row across the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans, is using his platform to encourage men and boys to speak openly about their insecurities and mental health challenges. Five years after surviving a suicide attempt, he aims to turn personal resilience into a powerful message of vulnerability and support.

As Thailand welcomes spring with blooming cherry blossoms and vibrant floral displays, new research highlights how flowers can support health beyond beauty. Studies show that simply viewing flowers can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and decrease cortisol levels, the hormone linked to stress. Even looking at a flower image can ease negative emotions and promote calm.

Incorporating flowers into daily life—whether tending a garden, arranging fresh bouquets, or simply enjoying a stroll through a park—promotes mindfulness. This habit can sharpen focus and build emotional resilience. Neuroaesthetics expert Professor Anjan Chatterjee notes that flowers provide brief yet meaningful moments of visual delight, inviting people to pause and appreciate the simple, natural beauty around them.

A new global study by AXA in collaboration with IPSOS finds that mental health challenges are rising among workers across 16 countries, including Thailand. The report shows stress, anxiety, and burnout have become common in modern workplaces, affecting both individual well-being and organizational performance.

Across the surveyed nations, about one in three workers report experiencing at least one mental health condition. Depression and anxiety are the most frequently cited issues, influenced by financial instability, job insecurity, and constant negative news. Additional pressures such as climate concerns and digital threats contribute to a broader sense of vulnerability. The term “eco-anxiety” has been used by executives to describe this growing stress layer.

The rising tide of mental health issues among workers globally has reached alarming levels, according to a recent study conducted by AXA in collaboration with IPSOS. Survey data from 16 countries, including Thailand, reveal a troubling status quo where stress, anxiety, and burnout are becoming increasingly common in the workforce. This situation not only affects individual well-being but also impacts productivity and organizational health on a large scale.

The study finds that one in three individuals surveyed across countries such as Belgium, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Philippines, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States are grappling with at least one mental health condition. Depression and anxiety, the most cited afflictions, show no signs of diminishing, a challenge exacerbated by factors like financial instability, job insecurity, and a pervasive onslaught of negative news. The implications are far-reaching, as climate change and digital threats contribute to a pervasive sense of vulnerability—what CEOs like Patrick Cohen of AXA call “eco-anxiety”—further amplifying stress levels.

Reese Witherspoon, the celebrated American actress, has ventured beyond her cinematic pursuits to offer a practical solution to anxiety that has captured widespread attention on social media. She recently shared a succinct nine-word mantra on Instagram: “Get out of your head, and into your hands.” This advice follows her experience assisting a friend’s daughter in alleviating anxiety through creative engagement. Witherspoon’s insights pivot from her well-known roles on screen to an emergent role as a wellness advisor, sparking discussions across communities interested in mental health strategies.

In a remarkable convergence of athletic talent and mental health advocacy, ultra-endurance athlete Angus Collins embarks on a significant journey to amplify awareness about men’s mental health. Known for his adventurous spirit and five impressive world records, including being the youngest to row across the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans, Collins now sets his sights on a cause that has profoundly personal roots. Five years after surviving a suicide attempt, he is determined to use his platform to inspire men and boys to bravely express their insecurities and mental health struggles.

A nine-word mantra from Reese Witherspoon is sparking conversations on anxiety management. The American actress shared on social media: “Get out of your head, and into your hands.” The idea grew from helping a friend’s daughter ease anxiety through creative, hands-on activity. The post hints at a broader shift where celebrities speak about mental health beyond movie roles, inviting readers to explore practical coping strategies.

For Thai readers, anxiety is a familiar challenge in school, work, and daily life. The hands-on approach invites people to focus on tactile activities—crafting, cooking, or simple art projects—that can shift attention away from worrying thoughts. In one example, a teenager overwhelmed by school stress found relief by making chocolates, a mindful task that redirected her focus.

Hayley Atwell, widely recognized for her role as Peggy Carter in Marvel’s universe, recently shared how a simple yet effective technique suggested by Tom Cruise significantly alleviated her social anxiety while working on the set of Mission: Impossible. Tom Cruise, known for his multifaceted talents, provided Atwell with a mantra to combat anxiety: confront the source head-on rather than retreating into fear. His advice—“If you’re scared of something, just keep looking at it”—proved to be transformative for Atwell, as it allowed her to dissect and understand her anxieties rather than being overwhelmed by them.

A well-known action star’s simple technique is making waves beyond Hollywood. Tom Cruise reportedly shared a practical mantra with Hayley Atwell to ease social anxiety on the set of Mission: Impossible: when fear arises, face it directly. The idea is to observe the source of the fear rather than retreating from it: “If you’re scared of something, just keep looking at it.” Atwell found that naming and confronting the trigger helped transform vague nerves into concrete, addressable concerns.

A recent revelation by former Wolves and Derby County striker, now football agent, underscores the profound impact of gambling addiction, not just on athletes, but across all strata of society. The 51-year-old athlete, who has spent over four decades battling gambling addiction, has shared his personal story to encourage others to seek help and to highlight the importance of preventive education, especially among young athletes.

The opening up about his addiction marks a significant turn in his journey. After achieving fame at Derby County and leaving a mark at Wolverhampton Wanderers, his career was financially and emotionally marred by gambling—a vice that began consuming his financial gains early in his career. His story is not just about personal redemption but also about empowering others to confront similar struggles. Now more than five years into recovery, he serves as an ambassador for Gordon Moody, a gambling support charity, aiming to transform his experiences into a source of motivation and guidance for those battling similar issues.

A former Wolves and Derby County striker, now an football agent, has publicly shared a 40-year struggle with gambling addiction. The disclosure aims to help others seek support and to emphasize preventive education for young athletes and fans alike.

The veteran forward’s journey began in the spotlight and endured years of financial and emotional strain due to gambling. After memorable spells with Derby County and Wolverhampton Wanderers, his gambling habit began eroding his earnings early in his career. His narrative is not only one of personal redemption but also a call to empower others facing similar battles. Now more than five years into recovery, he works as an ambassador for Gordon Moody, a gambling support charity, turning his experiences into guidance for those grappling with addiction.

Utah has just strengthened its framework to prevent unlicensed individuals from providing mental health treatment. The new law responds to growing concerns about the blurred line between life coaching and therapy. It clarifies that only licensed professionals may deliver mental health services, addressing a rising number of coaches offering therapeutic support without proper credentials. The bill’s passage marks a significant step, but questions remain about how life coaching should be governed in the future.

Utah’s new legislative action aims to address the troubling overlap between life coaching and mental health therapy, a topic of increasing concern worldwide. The legislation, signed into law this week, fortifies regulations prohibiting unlicensed individuals from delivering mental health treatment, a response to the rising numbers of life coaches unlawfully conducting therapy without proper qualifications. This development, while significant, leaves many questions unanswered, particularly regarding the future governance of life coaches—a profession currently unrestrained by formal standards or qualifications.

A global rise in depression and anxiety has intensified questions about the roots of today’s mental health challenges. In a provocative analysis, a writer argues that shifting cultural norms over the past decades have reshaped how societies understand and respond to mental well-being.

In the Netherlands, health authorities report a notable rise in euthanasia requests tied to psychological suffering. Among Dutch patients who chose euthanasia in 2024, mental distress accounted for about one-tenth of cases. This signals a broader public health challenge that crosses borders and calls for thoughtful, long‑term solutions. Data from Dutch health authorities show that emotional suffering is an increasingly important factor in end‑of‑life decisions, underscoring the need for accessible mental health care and compassionate support.

The global rise in mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, has sparked a critical conversation about the roots of this crisis. A recent piece by Patrick West at Spiked Online titled “How the age of emotion gave us the mental-health crisis” explores this phenomenon, arguing that societal changes and cultural shifts over the past decades have fundamentally altered how we perceive and address mental health.

West highlights a troubling stat from the Netherlands, where a staggering 60% increase in euthanasia cases tied to psychological suffering has been reported. This startling figure is emblematic of a broader crisis where mental anguish is driving individuals to extreme ends. In 2024, of the 10,000 Dutch patients who chose euthanasia, 10% did so due to mental distress. Such statistics underscore an escalating public health emergency that transcends borders.

A wave of public-sector layoffs in the United States has sparked a notable rise in mental health challenges among affected workers. The abrupt terminations disrupt daily life, strain families, and fuel anxiety about the future. For Thai readers, the issue highlights why public-sector job security matters for well-being, especially as governments review workforce needs.

First-hand accounts from federal employees—shared by a health agency staff member among them—underscore the emotional toll of sudden layoffs. Many describe devastation after losing livelihoods without clear justification. Mental health professionals report rising demand for counseling and psychiatric care as job cuts continue. The situation shows how employment instability can strain communities nationwide.

Dean Sturridge, a name once synonymous with football prowess and a record goal tally at Derby County, has opened up about a personal struggle that lurked in the shadows for over four decades—a gambling addiction. In his candid revelation, Sturridge shares his journey from a life overshadowed by gambling to now living in recovery, aiming to shine a light on the hidden consequences many still endure in silence. His story emerges as an eye-opener about the unseen battles athletes face, often amidst the pressures of fame and fortune.

The recent mass firings of federal employees in the United States, instigated by the Trump administration, have ignited a surge of mental health crises among the affected individuals. The abrupt job losses are not only upending the lives of these workers but also reverberating through their families and communities. Many are facing severe emotional distress, anxiety, and depression as they grapple with the uncertainty of their futures. This issue holds significant relevance for Thai readers, considering similar socio-political scenarios that could impact mental health when governmental job security is threatened.

A former Premier League striker, Dean Sturridge, has spoken publicly about a four-decade gambling battle. The disclosure aims to reveal the hidden struggles athletes face beyond fame and fortune and to push for greater awareness and support.

Now 51 and working as a football agent, Sturridge says he has not bet in more than five years. He decided to share his story to help current and future players and to deepen public understanding of gambling’s impact. He describes gambling as a form of escapism that offered brief relief from the pressures of professional sport, team selection, and management tensions.

In a study published recently in the International Journal of Psychophysiology, new insights have emerged into the link between narcissistic traits and physiological responses during conversations. Conducted by Emmi Koskinen and colleagues, the research examines how individuals with pronounced narcissistic traits display heightened physiological arousal, particularly when discussing experiences involving admiration from others. This intriguing discovery not only enriches our understanding of narcissism but also highlights nuances in interpersonal interactions that may resonate with many, including Thai readers familiar with the cultural nuances of social interactions.