A recent study has shed light on the potential of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) to address a persistent gap in depression care—helping individuals who do not fully recover after standard treatment. This promising approach could offer renewed hope for those living with lingering depressive symptoms, a scenario that affects up to 30% of people diagnosed with depression worldwide, including many in Thailand.
Depression remains a leading cause of disability both globally and in Thailand, where the World Health Organization estimates over 1.5 million Thais suffer from the condition each year (WHO). While effective antidepressants and talking therapies exist, for many patients the journey out of depression is not straightforward. As outlined in a new study conducted in England and published in The Conversation (The Conversation), about one-third of people with depression never fully escape the “fog” of low mood and exhaustion—even after completing therapy and medication.
This reality has major implications for the individuals who remain unwell, their families, and society at large. Untreated or partially treated depression is linked to reduced work productivity, strained relationships, and increased healthcare costs. In Thailand, stigma surrounding mental health often compels people to avoid seeking help until symptoms become severe, compounding the risk of chronic illness (Thai Health Promotion Foundation).
The recent research addresses a critical gap in current mental health services known as the “missing middle”—people whose needs are too complex for standard primary care but not urgent enough for specialist intervention. In Thailand, many people with persistent but not severe depression experience a cycle of being directed back and forth between clinics and hospitals, often ending up with only continued medication as their main support (Ministry of Public Health).
In the UK-based study, over 200 patients who had completed the NHS Talking Therapies programme but still experienced ongoing depressive symptoms were divided into two groups: one group began an eight-week MBCT programme delivered online in small groups, while the other continued with their usual care. MBCT combines cognitive therapy principles—specifically identifying and interrupting negative thought cycles—with mindfulness, which encourages participants to focus on the present moment and respond to difficult emotions with compassion rather than avoidance.
The results were striking. According to the researchers, people in the MBCT group showed greater improvements in depressive symptoms compared to those receiving standard care. Notably, the benefits persisted and even strengthened six months after the programme concluded. Additionally, those who completed MBCT used fewer healthcare and social services overall, making the therapy not only effective but also cost-efficient—less than £100 (about 4,500 baht) per person to deliver.
Expert opinions underscore MBCT’s accessibility and practicality. According to study co-authors from leading UK universities, MBCT is already used to prevent depression relapses and can be facilitated by trained group leaders in a community setting, making it scalable for wide populations. “People gain lifelong skills to manage their mood, which is especially important when other services have been exhausted,” the research team noted (The Conversation).
In Thailand, where resources for mental health are limited and many rural areas lack access to counselling services, the potential of online group-based MBCT to fill service gaps is notable. Mental health professionals at leading Thai academic hospitals have increasingly promoted mindfulness in recent years, pointing to its roots in Buddhist meditation—a practice familiar to many Thai people. “Mindfulness aligns with Thai cultural values and could be integrated into existing care models if properly adapted and supported,” stated a psychiatrist at a major Bangkok university hospital (Bangkok Post).
Historically, Thailand has relied on community-based and informal support structures, including monks and family elders, for managing emotional distress. While these networks remain important, the rising prevalence of mental illness calls for new approaches that bridge tradition and evidence-based practice. The cost-effectiveness of MBCT also fits with government efforts to make mental healthcare more equitable through initiatives such as the Universal Coverage Scheme (NHSO).
Global trends mirror the findings of the recent study. Mindfulness-based interventions are increasingly featured in guidelines from organisations like the American Psychological Association and the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (APA). A growing body of data from PubMed-backed clinical trials supports the benefits of mindfulness in regulating mood and preventing relapses, especially when traditional therapies have fallen short.
Despite its promise, MBCT is not a panacea. Experts caution that mindfulness should complement—not replace—comprehensive treatment plans that may include medication, psychotherapy, and support for social needs. Concerns about proper training and adaptation for local contexts also merit attention, particularly when rolling out large-scale programmes in Thailand where mental health resources remain stretched.
Looking ahead, the integration of MBCT into Thailand’s public health system could help address the unmet needs identified in the UK study. Policymakers at the Ministry of Public Health and the National Health Security Office have expressed interest in innovative and scalable mental health interventions, particularly those that reduce downstream costs (such as hospital admissions or lost wages) and empower individuals with self-management skills (MOHP strategic plan).
For readers in Thailand, actionable takeaways include exploring publicly available mindfulness resources—such as guided meditations from reputable sources—or joining local groups affiliated with universities, hospitals, or temples. Healthcare providers should consider referring patients with lingering depressive symptoms to mindfulness-based programmes where available, and policymakers can advocate for including MBCT within Universal Coverage benefits.
Ultimately, the latest research provides hope that no one needs to be left behind in their struggle with depression. By combining modern cognitive science with mindfulness—an approach with deep cultural roots in Thailand—communities can move toward a more inclusive and effective model of mental health care.