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.
Mental health awareness has grown rapidly worldwide, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted issues of stress, anxiety, and depression. Schools, workplaces, and governments have launched initiatives to encourage openness about mental health, seeking to combat stigma and make support more accessible. In Thailand, this increased visibility has led to important conversations and new resources through university counselling programmes, line ministries, and NGOs. However, recent international debate suggests that relentless attention to mental health might be cultivating a population that is more anxious, not less.
According to data discussed in The Telegraph’s piece, the prevalence of mental health issues in high-awareness societies has not declined—in fact, self-reports of depression and anxiety continue to climb, particularly among younger people. Critics argue that constant monitoring of one’s mood or labeling everyday struggles as symptoms could contribute to what’s been called the “medicalisation” of normal life problems. As described in a 2025 review published in the Journal of Clinical Psychological Science, over-pathologising ordinary emotional fluctuations risks undermining individuals’ sense of agency and resilience (source). Moreover, researchers highlight the tendency for cultural expectations to shift, with individuals increasingly primed to interpret stress or sadness as indicators of pathology rather than natural aspects of life.
This trend appears global. According to the World Health Organization, mental health should be understood as more than the absence of illness—it encompasses one’s ability to cope with normal stresses and enjoy life (Wikipedia - Mental health awareness). Yet, studies show that increased use of mental health language and frequent screening can heighten self-consciousness and reduce tolerance for discomfort, especially in media and on social platforms. A 2024 study by King’s College London found that students who received regular “well-being check-ins” reported greater anxiety than those in standard programmes, possibly because of increased rumination or fear of failing to be “happy” (BBC).
Expert voices weigh in on this apparent paradox. According to a UK-based psychologist interviewed by The Telegraph, “We have a generation now growing up with an expectation that all negative emotions are a sign that something is seriously wrong. Instead of building resilience, we teach people to be hyper-aware of every mood fluctuation.” Academic reviews echo this sentiment, warning that messaging should “avoid pathologising distress that is natural and temporary” (PubMed). In Thailand, similar concerns have been echoed by public health specialists who caution against simplistic importing of Western mental health frameworks, noting cultural differences in how emotional distress is recognised and managed.
The implications for Thailand are substantial. As schools and universities increase mental health campaigns, there is a need to balance awareness with resilience-building. Public health officials with the Ministry of Public Health have observed a rise in young Thais seeking help for sadness and anxiety—a positive trend in terms of reducing stigma, but one that risks overwhelming limited mental health services if everyday challenges are routinely medicalised. Furthermore, social media amplification of mental health narratives can reinforce a “culture of complaint,” sometimes encouraging young people to classify ordinary stress or disappointment as illness.
Thailand’s history, marked by Buddhist influences that value acceptance and equanimity, offers a unique context for the debate. Traditionally, Thai society has relied on community support and mindfulness practices to manage distress. These cultural buffers risk being overlooked as imported mental health models take centre stage. Urban youth, influenced by global trends and digital platforms, might be quicker to adopt medicalised narratives around well-being, sometimes at odds with older generations’ emphasis on “jai yen” (cool heart) and social harmony.
Looking ahead, experts urge a more nuanced approach to mental health advocacy—one that recognises the value of destigmatisation but also prioritises resilience and coping skills. There are calls for schools and workplaces across Thailand to combine mental health education with social-emotional learning, practical stress management, and open discussion about the difference between clinical disorders and ordinary adversity. Researchers from Chulalongkorn University recently emphasised, “Thailand’s strength lies in its ability to blend tradition with innovation. As we modernise mental health care, we should not lose the wisdom of community, mindfulness, and acceptance.”
For Thai readers and families, the message is to stay open to conversations about mental health while also cultivating practical tools for resilience. Parents and teachers are encouraged to teach children the value of patience, emotional self-regulation, and mutual support, in addition to being alert to warning signs of serious mental disorders. The Royal College of Psychiatrists of Thailand advises: “If sadness or stress persists beyond two weeks, interferes with daily functioning, or includes thoughts of self-harm, professional help is needed. But it is natural to experience fluctuating moods as part of the human condition.”
As Thailand continues to navigate the evolving landscape of mental health, policymakers, educators, and community leaders must find a balance—embracing awareness and reducing stigma, while also empowering individuals to weather life’s ups and downs without undue fear. Recognising when to seek help, and when to accept and manage normal emotional pain, will be critical for Thailand’s future well-being.
Recommended steps for Thai readers: Practice regular mindfulness, participate in community support networks, encourage healthy conversations about both positive and negative emotions, and seek professional help when distress significantly disrupts daily life. But remember, feeling sad or anxious at times is part of being human—developing tools for resilience is just as important as seeking treatment.