#Mentalhealth

Recent psychological research is challenging the long-held belief that breaking eye contact during conversation signals dishonesty, disinterest, or rudeness. A new article, summarizing insights from leading psychologists and supported by recent studies, reveals that looking away while talking is a far more complex—and often benign—behavior than popular culture suggests. In a society like Thailand, where interpersonal harmony and subtle nonverbal cues play central roles in communication, rethinking the meaning of eye contact could improve everyday interactions, both at work and at home.

New global research highlights how spending time near water—known as “blue spaces”—could have surprising benefits for both physical and mental health, sparking renewed interest among public health experts and wellness advocates in Thailand. Inspired by the latest scientific reports, experts are now encouraging Thais to explore nearby aquatic environments as a practical and culturally resonant path to boosting everyday wellness.

The concept of “blue health”—the idea that lakes, rivers, seas, and other water bodies offer unique psychological and physical advantages—has gained significant traction. Recent studies cited in international publications including a July 2025 Washington Post investigation reveal that exposure to aquatic scenery does more than provide a picturesque escape: it measurably improves mood, supports social relationships, and even reduces pain and stress.

A new wave of addiction research reveals an unsettling reality: for many women, substance use does not fit the sensationalized, chaotic image so often portrayed in media. Instead, it often begins quietly and appears “normal”—a glass of wine after a long day, a sleep aid to combat restless nights, or prescription painkillers following surgery or childbirth. In today’s Thailand, these subtle beginnings and the invisibility of early-stage addiction among women are prompting urgent questions for families, health professionals, and policymakers, especially as new evidence suggests young women are now outpacing men in binge drinking in several countries worldwide (Psychology Today).

A casual comment from a colleague, a family member’s criticism, or feeling excluded from a group decision can stick in our minds and cause outsized emotional pain. New research and expert discussion, highlighted in a recent article on Vox, reveal that for many people these daily social slights are not simply oversensitivity, but stem from deeper biological, psychological, and social roots. This new understanding offers practical strategies to help those who find themselves chronically hurt by the words and actions of others—a topic with relevance for Thais living in increasingly interconnected yet stressful social environments.

A new wave of expert advice is challenging the belief that popping supplements can boost brain function, urging Thai readers to prioritise healthy living and balanced diets over quick fixes. According to a comprehensive report by a team of registered dietitians, several widely advertised supplements might actually endanger, rather than enhance, cognitive performance—news with far-reaching implications for Thailand’s rapidly ageing society and health-conscious youth. (EatingWell)

With the promise of sharper memory and better focus, brain health supplements have become staples on pharmacy shelves from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. But registered dietitians cited in the latest review warn these pills can give a false sense of security or even cause harm, especially when consumed in high doses or without medical supervision. The five supplements flagged as concerning are: high-dose vitamin E, high-dose vitamin B6, ginkgo biloba, concentrated caffeine supplements, and omega-6 fatty acid supplements.

A new wave of psychological research has shed light on the intricate social effects of displaying happiness, suggesting that while expressing genuine joy often leads to social rewards, forcing oneself to appear happy under pressure may sometimes trigger the opposite effect. These findings hold particular resonance for Thai society, where social harmony and emotional expression are deeply intertwined with cultural norms.

The latest review, published on July 28, 2025, in The Conversation by researchers specializing in well-being and emotional sociology, highlights that happiness serves several key social functions, aiding not only in personal health and success but also in fostering stronger social bonds and positively shaping others’ perceptions. Yet, the study warns against pushing people to display happiness, especially when it is not truly felt, due to the potential psychological harm and social exclusion this pressure can cause (theconversation.com).

Loneliness is emerging as a major yet often unspoken mental health issue worldwide, with new research highlighting subtle warning signs that may escape notice—even in the midst of active social lives. According to a leading clinical psychologist whose work was recently shared in the Times of India, four “hidden” symptoms—doomscrolling, superficial social exchanges, persistent overthinking of interactions, and a sense of not belonging—require immediate attention to prevent further harm to mental well-being. As these findings gain traction, Thai mental health experts urge the public to recognize and address loneliness before it quietly undermines physical and psychological health.

A new wave of technological advances promises parents a chance to have “high-quality” families by screening embryos for optimal genetic health, but current research and social debate show that the quest for genetic perfection may come at significant ethical, cultural, and emotional costs. As genetic screening companies like Orchid promote the ability to select embryos free from a wide array of health risks, a chorus of bioethicists, parents, and social critics warn that this trend risks making children into consumer products and overlooks the unpredictability—and inherent value—of imperfect human lives (The Dispatch).

A sweeping new scientific review analyzing 64 commonly used natural and over-the-counter (OTC) remedies for depression has revealed that just a few have real evidence backing their effectiveness, raising important questions for both Thai consumers and healthcare professionals seeking safe, accessible options for managing mental health. The findings, published in 2025 and featured on Science Daily, challenge widespread assumptions about the power of widely sold supplements and herbs, highlighting which products may truly help—and which may offer nothing more than hope in a bottle.

Emerging research is reshaping the management of chronic pain, with promising evidence for psychological interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and pain reprocessing therapy (PRT). In a recent article by the Washington Post, experts highlighted three non-pharmacological techniques shown to help people manage persistent pain—offering hope for millions of Thais living with chronic conditions that medications alone often fail to alleviate (Washington Post).

Chronic pain, defined as pain lasting three months or longer, affects between 8% to 11% of people globally, with higher rates in more industrialized countries. Thailand is no exception, where back pain, headaches, and muscle disorders are among the most common complaints seen in clinics nationwide (Wikipedia). Persistent pain drains not only physical vitality but also mental health, often leading to depression, sleep difficulties, and profound disruption of daily life. Traditionally, treatment emphasized medications—ranging from paracetamol to opioids—but these often fall short for patients with ongoing pain and pose risks such as overuse, dependence, and diminished effectiveness over time.

A groundbreaking study from Denmark, recently published in The Lancet Psychiatry, offers new understanding of family patterns in mental health disorders. The research confirms that relatives of individuals with mental illness face a higher risk themselves—yet, surprisingly, most cases still occur among people with no prior family history. This finding is poised to reshape mental health awareness and prevention strategies not just globally but also in Thailand, where mental health remains a growing public health priority.

Many Thais have pondered the question: “Am I just too sensitive?” after a seemingly minor remark leaves a lasting hurt. Recent psychological research reveals that heightened emotional sensitivity is both more common and complex than previously thought, with roots in biology, life experiences, and cultural dynamics—and it is not simply a matter of “overreacting” or lacking toughness, as Thai conventional wisdom sometimes suggests.

Highly sensitive individuals tend to dwell on minor social slights—a friend’s offhand joke, a family member’s sharp comment, or being overlooked in a conversation—well beyond what others might consider reasonable. According to a leading US-based professor emeritus in psychology and neuroscience, these moments sting deeply because they signal diminished relational value: “It conveys that I don’t have a whole lot of relational value to you,” this expert explained in a recent interview. “You don’t value your connection with me, because if you did, you’d treat me better than this.” Some people, according to this researcher, simply feel these upsets more keenly than others, lacking the ability to emotionally brush them off easily.

A new wave of relationship discourse has emerged from the United States, highlighting a term that may feel strikingly familiar to many Thais: “dry begging.” As recently spotlighted in a HuffPost feature, this behavior involves indirectly hinting or passively stating needs—instead of asking directly—and is now being recognized by therapists as a subtle but potent form of emotional manipulation (HuffPost). While “dry begging” is not an official psychiatric diagnosis, experts say it is a widespread pattern that can shape personal and family dynamics, including here in Thailand.

A growing body of research and practical insights suggests that the small messes young children make while helping with chores may be far more valuable than a perfectly clean home. While many parents hope to encourage independence and responsibility by assigning tasks, the way chores are handled—and whether children are truly allowed to help—could make all the difference in children’s development and even lifelong attitudes.

For generations, Thai parents have expected children to help out at home, yet the specifics of those contributions and the expectations around them are changing. According to a recent article in The Atlantic, many parents, in their drive for efficiency and order, unintentionally discourage their children’s willingness to contribute. This is not merely a Western phenomenon; it echoes commonly observed patterns in urban Thai households, especially as lifestyles change and traditional extended family structures give way to smaller nuclear families.

A strange new collectible has taken Thailand—and the global internet—by storm. Over the past few months, wild-eyed, snaggle-toothed little creatures known as Labubu have appeared dangling from backpacks, crowding keychains, and starring in viral YouTube unboxing videos. To many, their sudden popularity seemed to come from nowhere. The fever hit new heights after a famous K-pop star was spotted carrying a Labubu, instantly launching them into the imaginations and wishlists of a generation. Now, they’re the must-have item for young Thais and adults alike, with some rare versions fetching eye-watering prices in local and international collectible markets.

A recent psychological study has revealed that individuals who experience high levels of boredom are more susceptible to developing social media addiction, raising fresh concerns about the digital habits of Thais amid the nation’s ever-growing use of online platforms. As social media continues to permeate daily life in Thailand—where platforms like Facebook, Line, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok are nearly ubiquitous—the findings provide critical insight for educators, health professionals, and policy makers seeking to promote healthy technology engagement.

A new report from Business Insider highlights the diverse but intentional morning routines of highly successful women, revealing that early wake-ups, physical movement, and mindful habits are central to jumpstarting productivity and well-being. The findings echo broader trends in wellness and personal development, with implications for career-driven individuals in Thailand and beyond seeking to optimize their days and balance competing personal and professional responsibilities (Business Insider).

In a rapidly changing professional landscape where work-life balance and health have become central concerns, the daily rituals of high-achieving women are emerging as a source of inspiration for many. The recent Business Insider feature, published July 25, 2025, delves into the lives of industry leaders, creatives, and executives, uncovering how daily practices—ranging from weight training to lemon water and early morning walks—help set the stage for success. For Thai readers, many of whom juggle long workdays, family duties, and an increasingly “always-on” digital culture, these insights resonate deeply, especially as Thailand continues to rank highly in terms of hours spent working each week within the ASEAN region (The ASEAN Post).

A new toxic dating phenomenon known as “ghostlighting” is gaining attention worldwide, and its ripple effects are beginning to impact Thai singles navigating the modern dating landscape. Combining the emotional wounds of ghosting with the mental manipulation of gaslighting, ghostlighting represents a deeply harmful evolution in digital-age relationships. Experts and advocates warn that understanding this emerging behaviour is essential for those seeking emotional safety and healthy connections in Thailand’s ever-growing online dating scene (Times of India).

A new wave of research and cultural critique is challenging longstanding beliefs about heterosexual relationships, revealing why many women are left emotionally exhausted by dating men—while also highlighting how women worldwide, including in Thailand, are crafting new rules designed to protect their well-being and assert their needs in the search for love. Leading this transformation is the concept of “heterofatalism,” a term gaining currency in academic circles and popular media alike, which describes the resigned belief that dating men will be emotionally unfulfilling—even as many women continue to pursue these relationships.

New research and expert guidance are throwing much-needed light on a common but rarely addressed challenge in long-term relationships—how to stop taking a partner’s anger personally and protect one’s own emotional wellbeing. Sparks of frustration, like a spouse’s irritated outburst over a spilled bowl of dog food, can feel deeply personal for their partner, even when the anger is not directed at them. This phenomenon, often invisible within the walls of family homes, has gained renewed attention thanks to popular advice platforms and psychological studies that resonate with everyday experiences of Thai couples and families.

A breakthrough psychology study has found that adults who experience weekly nightmares may be nearly three times more likely to die before age 75 than those who rarely have such dreams, suggesting nightmares could have far-reaching implications for public health. This finding, though yet to be peer reviewed, brings a new perspective to what many consider a minor sleep disturbance and raises important questions for Thai readers about how the quality of their sleep connects to long-term health.

For many Thais, music is intertwined with life’s milestones—from temple fairs to school graduations, from heartbreak to celebration. But what happens when a cherished tune becomes a trigger for emotional pain? Recent research highlighted in The Guardian reveals that, while certain songs can evoke distressing memories, it may be possible to “rehabilitate” these painful musical associations through deliberate, positive experiences—a finding with significant implications for mental health and well-being in Thailand and beyond (The Guardian).

A wave of new research is challenging conventional wisdom about what truly helps people in therapy, revealing that the value clients find in psychotherapy extends well beyond the mere reduction of symptoms. A study highlighted by Mad in America in July 2025 has found that clients consistently report the most meaningful benefits as personal growth, self-understanding, and improved connections with others—shifting the focus away from traditional clinical outcome measures that primarily track symptom relief. This new perspective could have profound implications for how therapy is understood, evaluated, and practiced, both in Thailand and globally (MadinAmerica.com, 2025).

A growing number of people today are wondering, “Why is everyone so mean to me?” This modern lament resonates across social media, classrooms, workplaces and even family settings. Recent research by psychologists and mental health experts suggests there are complex reasons why individuals may perceive—they or truly experience—rudeness, hostility and exclusion from others. Understanding the psychology behind perceived meanness reveals both the hidden causes and promising strategies for coping, with direct significance for Thai readers navigating rapidly changing social and cultural landscapes.