#Anxiety

The rise of AI chatbots, including ChatGPT, is reshaping how people seek support for their mental health — but new research warns that these digital assistants may be unintentionally making symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety worse. According to a detailed special report published by Teen Vogue on 16 July 2025, some individuals with OCD have developed a pattern of compulsive reassurance-seeking that is uniquely intensified by the always-available, ever-accommodating nature of AI chatbots Teen Vogue.

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 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).

A startling new survey by the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) has found that one in four young people in England now lives with a mental health condition, highlighting a growing crisis that has implications far beyond British borders—including for Thailand’s youth. The figure, revealed this week, underscores mounting concerns among educators, policymakers, and medical professionals, as rates of depression, anxiety, and related disorders soar among adolescents. Mental health experts say the findings should serve as a wake-up call for countries worldwide, including Thailand, given the parallels in academic pressures, social media influence, and lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A new wave of psychological research is questioning a long-held belief about anxiety: that anxious people are wired to fixate on danger. According to a recent study published in Cognition & Emotion and summarized by PsyPost, people with high anxiety can, in fact, disengage from threatening stimuli just as effectively as those with low anxiety, provided they are sufficiently motivated to do so. This fresh insight could have profound implications for how health professionals in Thailand and beyond understand, diagnose, and treat anxiety-related conditions (PsyPost).

Approach anxiety, the fear and discomfort associated with initiating conversations or interactions, especially in social, romantic, or unfamiliar contexts, remains a persistent challenge for many. According to the recent analysis by Dr. Nerdlove, featured in a widely circulated advice column, this anxiety can manifest acutely at large gatherings, such as conventions or meet-ups, where social barriers often feel insurmountable for those seeking connection. New research and psychological perspectives shed light on why this phenomenon is intensifying and how individuals, including Thai readers navigating changing social landscapes, can overcome it to foster better relationships, career growth, and mental well-being.

A new wave of anxiety is sweeping through Generation Alpha, children born after 2013, according to recent research highlighted by Psychology Today (psychologytoday.com). Surprisingly, smart devices and the relentless pursuit of daily convenience—rather than screen time alone—may be fueling this phenomenon. This research is significant for Thai families and educators as it points to a broader transformation in childhood resilience, skills that are critical for success and well-being in a rapidly changing world.

New findings published in the Journal of Psychology reveal that the way parents bond with their children can influence a young adult’s life satisfaction, and that this impact often travels through two powerful emotions: anxiety and anger. The study, led by researchers at an Italian university, shows that overprotective parenting may inadvertently fuel anxiety, while warm, caring parenting seems to promote better anger control—both of which affect how satisfied emerging adults are with their lives. This research shines new light on age-old questions faced by Thai families and educators about how to nurture resilient, well-adjusted future generations (PsyPost).

A recent psychological study has unveiled new insights into how the emotional environment created by parents plays a pivotal role in shaping the overall life satisfaction of young adults, with anxiety and anger emerging as crucial mediators in this relationship. The findings—published in the respected Journal of Psychology and summarized by PsyPost—underscore the complex interplay between parenting approaches, children’s emotional regulation, and their subsequent well-being well into adulthood.

For Thai readers, who often place significant cultural emphasis on family harmony, respect, and parental involvement, this research offers a valuable perspective on how the varying degrees of care—or overprotection—during childhood can have long-lasting psychological consequences. The study echoes long-standing Buddhist principles about emotional balance while highlighting the importance of practical parenting choices that foster independent emotional regulation.

A new study led by the University of Edinburgh has found that children who struggle to manage their emotions as early as age seven are at a much higher risk of developing anxiety and depression during their teenage years. The research, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders and funded by the UK’s Medical Research Foundation, tracked nearly 19,000 young people and uncovered a clear connection between early difficulties with emotion regulation and later internalizing problems such as sadness, worry, and fear. The findings highlight the critical importance of teaching emotional coping skills in childhood—a lesson with profound implications for parents and educators in Thailand and around the world Neuroscience News.

A personal experiment by a writer who consumed fermented foods daily for eight weeks has gone viral, claiming a striking 73% reduction in anxiety levels. As more Thais struggle with mental health challenges amid rapid urbanisation and lingering pandemic stress, this claim invites deeper scrutiny from the scientific community and public health professionals journee-mondiale.com.

Fermented foods like kimchi, yogurt, miso, and Thai favourites such as som tam with pla ra (fermented fish), sai krok Isan (fermented sausage), and nam phrik pla too regularly appear on local plates. But can these tangy staples really calm the mind? The report’s headline promises hope for many Thais, especially as surveys indicate a rising prevalence of anxiety disorders. According to the Department of Mental Health, over 1.5 million Thais suffered from diagnosed anxiety conditions by 2024, a figure likely underestimated due to ongoing stigma.

New research is turning kitchens into potential laboratories for health, as scientists increasingly highlight the brain-protective, mood-supporting, and sleep-enhancing benefits of rosemary—a common herb found in many Thai and global dishes. Recent international studies reveal that rosemary compounds, particularly carnosic acid, not only show promise in fighting Alzheimer’s disease but may also reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality, suggesting this fragrant staple could play a supporting role in Thailand’s aging and stress-prone society (HuffPost UK; The Conversation).

A growing body of research suggests the simple act of worrying about what others think—now dubbed “FOPO” or Fear of People’s Opinions—is far more widespread than many believe, impacting individuals’ decision-making, behaviour, and well-being. FOPO, a term coined by psychologist Michael Gervais, is gaining global attention as experts, including therapists and mental health professionals, unpack how this subtle mindset is holding many back from living authentically—especially in collectivist societies such as Thailand, where community approval carries deep historical weight. The phenomenon, while present worldwide, takes on unique relevance in Thai society, which is traditionally anchored in the values of “face,” social harmony, and close-knit communities (HuffPost).

A ground-breaking study involving nearly 20,000 individuals has revealed that persistent negative thoughts aren’t just distressing—they may also be physically altering the very structure and functioning of your brain. In research led by a team at Amen Clinics, a prominent US-based brain health diagnostics institution, scientists used brain scans and cognitive data from individuals diagnosed with anxiety disorders, discovering clear links between what is called the “negativity bias” and abnormal patterns in several critical brain regions. For Thai readers, this may shed new light on mental health struggles and introduces opportunities for science-backed practices to improve national wellbeing.

A new scientific study has shed light on a persistent challenge faced by those experiencing anxiety and depression: the tendency to underestimate their own abilities even when objective evidence shows they are correct. The research, published in the esteemed journal Nature Communications, suggests that while anxious and depressed individuals perform as well as their peers, they struggle to internalize moments of success, leaving them prone to chronic underconfidence. This discovery could have significant implications for mental health awareness and treatment approaches in Thailand, where stigma and underdiagnosis of mental health issues remain widespread.

A growing body of scientific evidence now confirms that regular moderate-to-high intensity physical activity — such as brisk walking, jogging, or cycling for 30–60 minutes, three to five times per week — can significantly reduce repetitive negative thoughts including rumination and worry. This latest finding, highlighted in a June 2025 article by Business Standard, carries real promise for millions struggling with persistent negativity, especially in high-stress societies like Thailand. The study’s results underscore the value of integrating exercise not only for physical fitness but also for emotional well-being and mental health resilience (Business Standard).

A major new study reveals that children who engage in regular physical activity before their teenage years are significantly less likely to develop anxiety and depression as they grow older, adding new urgency to efforts aimed at boosting physical exercise among Thai youth. The research, published in June 2025, underscores the mental health benefits of sports and activity, especially as today’s youth are becoming less physically active.

The study, highlighted by The Washington Post, tracked children’s physical activity levels and mental health outcomes at ages 5, 8, and 11. Researchers discovered that boys who were physically active at ages 5 and 11 had their risk of anxiety slashed by almost 40%. Similar benefits were seen for depression: boys active at age 5 had a 19% lower risk, rising to 23% at age 8. By age 11, girls also began to experience the protective benefits, with organized sports participation linked to a 12% lower risk of future mental health diagnoses; the figure for boys was 23% lower (Washington Post).

A groundbreaking new study has shed light on the neural pathways in the brain that determine why certain individuals adapt to fearful situations more rapidly than others—findings that could pave the way for improved treatments of anxiety-related disorders in Thailand and beyond (Neuroscience News). By utilizing advanced brain-recording technologies and behavioral analysis in animal models, researchers identified two distinct brain circuits that drive differences in fear adaptation: one associated with persistent escape behavior, and another facilitating swift habituation to threats.

A quick daily ritual involving a four-minute song combined with gentle stretching could dramatically reduce anxiety by up to 65%, according to recent neuroscience research highlighted by global wellness platforms. This accessible approach, which merges soothing music and simple movement, is gaining interest for its potential to help Thais and millions worldwide manage anxiety in just a few minutes each day—without medication or costly therapies.

Anxiety has been on the rise globally and in Thailand, exacerbated by post-pandemic stress, economic uncertainty, and the everyday pressures of modern life. Recent mental health reports from the Thai Department of Mental Health indicate that at least one in five Thai adults experience symptoms of anxiety or stress-related disorders Department of Mental Health, Thailand. While professional care remains crucial, not everyone has equal access to therapists or stress management programs, making self-care strategies particularly important in Thai society. As populations in Bangkok and other urban hubs lead increasingly fast-paced lives, solutions that are efficient, affordable, and easy to integrate into busy schedules are needed.

Anxiety is a universal human experience—whether it’s a jitter before a work presentation, worry over family affairs, or a restless night thinking about the future. But in today’s rapidly changing world, recognizing when anxiety crosses the line from everyday stress to a potentially serious mental health concern has become vital, especially in Thailand where the pace of life and societal expectations continue to climb. A recent feature on mindbodygreen.com brings expert advice on how to recognize what level of anxiety is “normal,” what causes it, why women are more susceptible, and when to seek help—offering recommendations highly relevant for Thai readers facing similar pressures.

Business leaders and everyday individuals often wrestle with anxiety, especially when facing times of uncertainty—but new research shows that channeling this energy into action can be transformative, not just paralyzing. This insight, featured in the recent Harvard Business Review article “Turn Anxiety into Action,” highlights how those feeling anxiety most intensely, such as business leaders, have the potential to convert heightened worry into constructive steps rather than succumbing to “catastrophizing” or sleepless nights (Harvard Business Review).

Recent research and mental health insights highlight a compelling reason for the common phenomenon of procrastination: a close interplay with anxiety that renders many people “stuck” in a cycle of avoidance, overwhelm, and guilt. Rather than chalking it up to poor time management or laziness, new findings suggest that procrastination may be a nervous system response to stress, with perfectionism fueling the cycle—an understanding that carries significant implications for Thai readers facing mounting work, family, or study obligations. This news draws on the latest commentary from licensed therapists and psychiatrists, offering practical, research-backed steps for breaking free from the pattern.

In a striking new development, recent Iranian research has suggested that depression and anxiety may be “contagious” between romantic partners—not simply due to shared circumstances, but through the exchange of mouth bacteria during intimate interactions such as kissing. The study, published in the journal Exploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine and widely reported by StudyFinds, offers a fresh biological perspective on why couples often mirror each other’s moods and mental health (studyfinds.org).

A growing body of research is reshaping the way both scientists and everyday individuals understand and manage anxiety, with mindfulness practices at the core of these new insights. Recent findings from a cluster of researchers at Washington University in St. Louis, as reported in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, suggest mindfulness is not a “one size fits all” remedy, but rather a dynamic set of tools that can be matched to the various forms in which anxiety manifests. This revelation is of particular significance to Thai readers, many of whom have felt the mounting pressures of modern life, from economic uncertainties to an increasingly demanding work culture.