In an age of mounting mental stress worldwide, new research and celebrity testimony are converging to spotlight actionable tools for living with anxiety. At the recent New York Times Well Festival in Brooklyn, a panel featuring acclaimed singer-songwriter and Broadway star Sara Bareilles, a leading psychology professor from the University of California, Berkeley, and the host of the popular podcast “10% Happier” outlined practical ways in which anxious individuals can reclaim their sense of peace. The conversation, which built on the latest well-being science, is especially relevant as anxiety rates continue to rise—reflecting a pressing concern for many Thai readers following the global mental health crisis.
Mental health experts have warned that anxiety disorders have surged globally over the past decade, fueled by the uncertainties of modern life, economic volatility, and most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. Thailand is no exception. According to surveys by the Department of Mental Health, the number of Thais seeking help for anxiety-related symptoms has increased notably in recent years, with younger adults and students reporting unprecedented stress levels. Given prevailing cultural taboos and lingering stigma around psychiatric conditions in Thailand, high-profile openness about mental health can make a vital difference. [Source: World Health Organization, Department of Mental Health Thailand]
Sara Bareilles’s own story—movingly shared onstage—underscores the lived realities of anxiety. After discontinuing her antidepressant, the loss of a close friend left her struggling to resurface emotionally. Her candor, and the moderation of a well-known podcast host who himself experienced a panic attack on live television, shined a light on how even accomplished, outwardly successful individuals face hidden struggles. This visibility is considered crucial in reducing shame and encouraging care seeking, especially within Thai society where family reputation and face-saving are powerful forces.
The panel distilled anxiety management into three evidence-based principles: action, experimentation, and mindfulness. The podcast host emphasized the importance of not only talking about anxiety, but taking steps to address it, citing research that shows “action absorbs anxiety.” Rather than allowing anxiety to define one’s identity—which can happen both in Western and Thai contexts—individuals are advised to pursue proactive strategies, including therapy, exercise, and social connection. This approach resonates with the growing body of research in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), the gold standard for anxiety treatment worldwide, which teaches patients to break cycles of avoidance and confront their fears systematically [National Institutes of Mental Health].
Thai health professionals echo the value of action. As an executive from the Department of Mental Health explained in a recent ministry seminar, “We are encouraging people to seek help, practice self-care, and participate in community activities to address both individual and societal anxiety.” Many hospitals and clinics in Thailand now offer CBT, group therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions.
The second pathway highlighted by the panel was the need to experiment with coping mechanisms. “Different things work for different people,” Bareilles noted, describing her own toolkit: therapy, medication, meditation, regular exercise, and rich human connections. A psychology professor, sharing his own experience, recommended time outdoors and music. “Clouds and sky and light and the sound of water and the smell of spring get into your nervous system and calm it all down,” he observed, referencing a strong research base showing the benefits of nature exposure in lowering stress and anxiety [PubMed - Nature Exposure and Mental Health].
For Thai readers, seeking calm by visiting a neighborhood wat (temple) or spending time in a city park dovetails with traditional practices long known in the Kingdom. Studies by Chulalongkorn University have confirmed that green spaces and temple visits significantly reduce anxiety, supporting similar findings published globally [Bangkok Post]. In addition, community-based wellness—participating in traditional festivals, temple fairs, or volunteer work in local neighborhoods—can offer meaningful social connections, which are vital for emotional resilience.
The panel’s third key point focused on cultivating mindfulness. The practice—rooted in Buddhist traditions familiar to many Thais—has robust scientific support. According to a professor’s remarks, even brief sessions can provide incremental benefits. The panel also warned that mindfulness “should not feel like another stressor” and acknowledged that for some, different paths to a sense of calm and awe may prove more effective.
In Thailand, mindfulness meditation, or vipassana, is widely practiced; many Thais have received at least some instruction in this discipline. There is growing integration of mindfulness into mainstream health care, with major hospitals now offering structured courses for patients coping with anxiety, insomnia, or chronic pain. The Ministry of Public Health has also developed online mindfulness resources in Thai for the general population [Thai Ministry of Public Health].
Expert opinions from both sides of the Pacific suggest that building peace in an anxious world is a personal and social journey. The panel’s broad message: “Do what works for you.” This aligns with Thai cultural values of self-reliance, yet also highlights the need to ask for help when self-care is not enough. Open conversations, breaking taboos, and empowering individuals with diverse practical tools are all essential components.
Historically, Thailand has blended homegrown solutions—including traditional herbal remedies, Buddhist meditation, and community rituals—with newer medical approaches. The Kingdom’s annual campaign for World Mental Health Day, and the emergence of youth-led support groups online, shows a growing appetite for dialogue and innovation in this space.
Looking forward, experts project rising demand for mental health services as urbanization, digital connectivity, and economic uncertainty continue to shape the lives of Thai families. Government agencies are responding by increasing funding for mental health clinics, expanding training for counselors, and supporting school-based well-being programs. International evidence and local surveys both indicate that early intervention is key; the sooner individuals access evidence-based tools, the better their long-term outcomes.
For Thai readers navigating stress—whether prompted by exams, career anxieties, family dynamics, or social pressures—the latest expert consensus offers a three-part takeaway. First, channel anxiety into action: try counseling, exercise, or a community volunteer project. Second, experiment with wellness tools, from time in nature to music to creative arts, until you find your most effective coping strategies. Third, explore mindfulness—whether through meditation, prayer, or simple breathing exercises—while remembering that your journey is unique.
If anxiety feels overwhelming, reaching out for support from trusted friends, a monk, a counselor, or a medical professional is not a sign of weakness, but an act of courage. And with new research and a changing social climate, there have never been more accessible pathways to peace in an anxious world.
Sources: New York Times report, National Institutes of Mental Health, PubMed research on nature and anxiety, Bangkok Post coverage on green therapy, Ministry of Public Health Thailand.