#Anxiety

Why 31% of Thais May Face Higher Depression Risk Than Previously Understood

In a groundbreaking discovery that could reshape mental healthcare across Southeast Asia, international researchers have uncovered compelling evidence that nearly one-third of Thailand’s population possesses heightened emotional sensitivity—a trait that significantly increases their vulnerability to depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.

The Hidden Population at Risk

The landmark study, representing the most comprehensive analysis of its kind, examined data from 33 separate research projects spanning multiple continents. What emerged paints a concerning picture: individuals with highly sensitive personalities demonstrate measurably higher rates of mental health struggles compared to their less sensitive counterparts.

A new meta-analysis finds that people with highly sensitive personalities report more mental health problems.
The study pooled 33 studies and reported moderate, positive links with depression and anxiety (Queen Mary University press release).

Sensitivity means strong perception and deep processing of environmental stimuli.
This trait includes strong reactions to bright lights, subtle changes, and other people’s moods (Medical Xpress).

Researchers say sensitivity differs from neuroticism.
They argue clinicians often overlook sensitivity in diagnosis and treatment plans (ScienceDaily).

A large international study led from Aarhus University reports that unusually strong synchronization between the brain and the stomach’s slow electrical rhythm is linked with higher levels of anxiety, depression and perceived stress. Researchers scanned 243 people using fMRI together with electrogastrography and applied cross‑validated machine learning to show that increased fronto‑parietal coupling to the stomach’s roughly 20‑second rhythm indexed a dimensional signature of poorer mental health — challenging the idea that tighter body–brain coupling is always healthier and suggesting the stomach rhythm could become an objective biomarker for emotional distress (Neuroscience News summary) (preprint/full study).

As rates of anxiety and related mental health issues continue to climb globally and locally, new research backed by the University of Cambridge and echoed by Thai mental health authorities points to novel coping strategies that may benefit the Thai public. Drawing on the latest international findings, actionable recommendations—like embracing imperfection, self-forgiveness, and fostering social connection—are gaining traction for their real-world impact on building mental strength and reducing anxiety’s grip.

Groundbreaking research from the University of Cambridge, combined with innovative approaches validated by Thai mental health authorities, has identified transformative strategies for managing anxiety that promise to revolutionize treatment approaches throughout Thailand. These science-backed interventions—emphasizing imperfection acceptance, self-compassion cultivation, and community connection—offer practical solutions for the growing mental health crisis affecting millions of Thai citizens across all demographics and socioeconomic levels.

Anxiety disorders, characterized by persistent worry, panic episodes, sleep disruption, and social withdrawal, affect the majority of individuals at some point during their lives, but become clinically significant when symptoms interfere with daily functioning, relationships, or professional productivity. For Thai communities, this represents an escalating concern with far-reaching implications: the Department of Mental Health reports that over 8% of the population experiences high stress levels, nearly 10% face depression risks, and more than 5% encounter suicide ideation, with youth demographics showing particularly alarming rates of psychological distress.

Thai professionals, students, and families experiencing anxiety may possess an unexpected advantage, according to groundbreaking neuroscience research that fundamentally reframes this misunderstood emotion. Leading researchers now demonstrate that anxiety, rather than being merely an obstacle to overcome, contains profound potential for personal growth, enhanced productivity, and deeper empathy when properly understood and channeled through the brain’s remarkable capacity for neuroplasticity.

The emerging scientific perspective challenges decades of conventional thinking about anxiety management. Modern neuroscientists studying brain adaptation reveal that anxiety represents a sophisticated evolutionary alarm system designed to protect humans from uncertainty and danger. This ancient survival mechanism, while occasionally overwhelming in contemporary life, can be deliberately recalibrated to serve constructive purposes through targeted neuroplastic training techniques.

A groundbreaking shift in the understanding of anxiety is emerging, as leading neuroscientists and psychologists propose that this often-maligned emotion can actually be harnessed as a powerful tool for personal growth, productivity, and empathy. Recent research and expert perspectives, as detailed in a high-profile interview on Big Think (bigthink.com), reveal that anxiety, when approached with the right mindset and strategies, holds untapped potential rooted in the brain’s remarkable neuroplasticity.

For many Thais, anxiety is an unavoidable part of daily life. From concerns about academic performance and job security to health worries and the pressures of rapid social change, this emotion has become even more pronounced amidst the lingering repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic. The global upsurge in anxiety is not unique to Thailand; however, the latest discoveries offer hope and practical guidance for turning this challenge into an advantage.

A growing body of psychological research and therapist insights is bringing new clarity to how anxiety takes hold and, crucially, how people can break free. A recent report on HuffPost summarizes expert commentary from professionals drawing on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), schema therapy, and attachment theory to identify recurring patterns in the anxious mind. With nearly one in five Americans experiencing anxiety disorders—a statistic mirrored globally and relevant to Thailand’s rising mental health awareness—researchers and clinicians are now describing four primary ways people become “stuck” in anxiety, and practical strategies to regain a sense of control and well-being.

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).