Mental Health

Chronic fatigue and relentless work stress are increasingly common in Thai workplaces in 2025. Globally, up to 90% of employees report high work pressure, and burnout is recognized as a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion linked to prolonged stress. The question for Thailand is whether burnout can be overcome while staying employed, and what changes are needed to make that possible.

For many Thai workers, extended leave or waiting for systemic reforms isn’t easy. A 2025 study of first-year medical interns in Thailand found nearly half experiencing burnout, with emotional exhaustion affecting more than eight in ten. Similar patterns appear in education, service, and corporate sectors, indicating a national challenge that crosses professions. Data from leading Thai health and education researchers aligns with these findings, showing burnout is a broader workforce issue rather than confined to one field.

Anxiety is rising among students and workers in Thailand, especially after the pandemic. Busy lifestyles and cultural emphasis on composure make quick, private stress-relief techniques appealing for many Thais.

Two brief practices from trauma therapy are gaining attention for fast, accessible anxiety relief. The first is the voo technique: a deep breath followed by a prolonged, vibrating exhale on the sound “voo.” Experts say the vocalization and breath work engage the nervous system to release tension. This echoes enduring Thai practices, where resonant sounds and chanting accompany mindfulness in daily life.

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 trauma therapist presents two fast, easy techniques designed to ease anxiety within seconds. The methods offer immediate support for anyone feeling overwhelmed by stress or nerves. The guidance resonates with Thai readers seeking practical, accessible mental health tools for daily life—whether preparing for a big work presentation or navigating a tough family conversation.

In Thailand, stress and anxiety are rising concerns. The Department of Mental Health notes more consultations among working adults and students as the pace of life quickens and as the aftershocks of the COVID-19 era linger. While traditional practices like Buddhist mindfulness remain valued, many people lack time or comfort for longer routines, increasing interest in quick strategies that fit into a busy day.

A recent review in JAMA Psychiatry has reignited debate among mental health professionals about withdrawal risks for people who discontinue antidepressants, especially after extended use. This discussion is timely for Thailand, where more patients rely on long‑term therapy and guidelines continue to adapt to evolving evidence.

Antidepressant withdrawal involves a spectrum of physical and psychological symptoms that can occur when reducing or stopping medication. Earlier guidelines, including NICE in the UK, described withdrawal as brief and mild. Newer research paints a more nuanced picture, particularly for long‑term users. The JAMA Psychiatry review analyzed eleven trials, most of which examined short‑term use, and found slightly more withdrawal symptoms in those stopping antidepressants than in placebo groups. The authors attributed much of this to the nocebo effect—the power of negative expectations to trigger symptoms—rather than 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).

News is a powerful force in daily life, and new analyses show how we can stay informed without harming our mental health. Research from Monash University and Flinders University suggests that mindful engagement with media can protect well-being in Thailand and beyond.

In Thailand, mobile internet access means news flows through multiple channels—at home, work, and community spaces. For many families, staying informed is tied to civic duty and safety, making mindful engagement essential rather than optional.

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).

A global surge in layoffs during 2025 has heightened job insecurity and driven many workers to overwork to remain employed. A CNBC analysis cites an unprecedented level of disruption, with nearly 700,000 layoffs in the first five months of the year, marking an 80% rise from the same period in 2024. About 46% of workers report worry about their future, underscoring a broader mental health challenge alongside economic strain.

Thai readers can relate to these dynamics as economic shifts ripple through the local workforce. Slower demand for key exports and rapid technological change fuel fears of job loss and longer hours as workers try to cope. In both public and private sectors, staff feel pressure to perform while navigating uncertainty.

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 suggests that virtual forest experiences—sights, sounds, and even scents delivered through digital technology—can reduce stress and lift mood. For Thailand’s growing urban centers, where access to green spaces is uneven, such digital nature therapies may support mental well-being in daily life.

Shinrin Yoku, the Japanese practice of forest bathing, invites focused, undistracted time in nature to calm the mind. As Bangkok and other Thai cities expand, many residents struggle to connect with restorative green spaces. Researchers are exploring digital alternatives that simulate nature’s healing effects, offering stress relief in environments where parks are scarce.

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.

Depression changes how people connect, and in Thai communities it can strain long-standing friendships. A recent global reflection about a decade-old friendship tested by withdrawal highlights a common challenge: sustaining bonds when mental health reshapes interaction. The story reminds readers that depression is not just private pain; its effects ripple through social circles and test even the strongest relationships.

Depression alters social engagement. In the case discussed, one friend gradually stops meeting, stops replying, and becomes harder to reach. The narrative acknowledges the sadness and confusion friends feel and shows that withdrawal is both a symptom and a consequence of depression. For Thai readers, this points to the importance of recognizing early signs and offering steady, non-judgmental support.

A nationwide study in the United States reveals that pastors are counseling less, have fewer referral resources, and often feel isolated with personal struggles. Lifeway Research surveyed more than 1,500 evangelical and Black Protestant pastors, illustrating a shift in how faith leaders contribute to mental health care. The findings offer lessons for faith communities worldwide, including Thailand.

In Thailand, Buddhist monks and temple communities frequently serve as the first line of spiritual and emotional support, especially in rural areas where formal mental health care is limited. The American findings prompt Thai religious and community leaders to strengthen collaborations with professional services as demand for counseling grows and stigma around mental health persists.

A viral wellness trend on TikTok has popularized an alcohol-free drink called the cortisol cocktail. Followers mix coconut water, orange juice, lemon, magnesium powder, sea salt, and sometimes sparkling water. Creators claim the beverage lowers cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone, and improves sleep, relaxation, and even weight management. Medical experts urge caution and point to the lack of solid clinical evidence.

In Thailand, creators have adapted the recipe with regional twists—different citrus varieties and Thai coconut water brands—sharing personal stories of calmer days after drinking it. The trend mirrors a broader concern: stress is widespread in fast-paced urban life, from Bangkok to smaller towns. Data from mental health authorities show rising reports of stress and burnout among workers and students, underscoring the need for safe, evidence-based coping strategies.

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.

K-dramas are quietly redefining how mental health is portrayed in Asia. They now address depression, anxiety, autism, and workplace stress with empathy and nuance. In prime-time, these topics are explored openly, offering hope and representation for viewers in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and beyond.

Historically, mental health was often misrepresented in Asian media. Thai audiences know K-dramas for romance and family sagas, while South Korea’s attitudes toward mental health have long been complex. Today, writers and directors weave wellness into engaging stories that educate without sacrificing entertainment.

A landmark international study finds younger pupils in a class, often born later in the year, face higher odds of mental health concerns than their older peers. Analyzing health records of more than a million children, the research prompts education systems worldwide, including Thailand, to reconsider strict entry cutoffs that can unintentionally disadvantage students.

Researchers from Norway’s NTNU reviewed health data for children aged 4–17 born between 1991 and 2012. The study shows October–December births—the youngest in many classrooms—have higher rates of ADHD and related neuropsychiatric conditions compared with January–March births. The magnitude of risk varies with prematurity, with ADHD diagnoses among the youngest students rising by about 20–80 percent. A lead neonatology consultant notes a meaningful relative age effect in childhood mental health.

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.

Rural mental health care is facing a widening gap. New research echoes experiences from remote Minnesota, where demand often outstrips capacity. The pattern resonates with Thailand and other countries facing similar challenges.

Experts warn that delays in mental health care can trigger crises. In rural Minnesota, shortages of professionals and lingering stigma contribute to the problem, a situation familiar to Thai rural communities and policymakers globally. Limited resources and cultural attitudes intensify the burden, making timely intervention harder.