#Mentalhealth

A groundbreaking 85-year study from Harvard University has delivered a clear message about the real drivers behind happiness and long-term health: close, supportive relationships matter more than wealth, fame, or career achievement. Led by the director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, the research provides compelling evidence that social connections, not personal fortune, are the foundation of a fulfilling life (Big Think).

Recent psychological research has reignited the conversation around a timeless yet often overlooked source of well-being: our connection with nature. According to a new report by a leading psychologist, restoring a sense of inner balance may be as straightforward as cultivating what experts call “nature connectedness”—a personal affinity for the natural world that modern life tends to blunt. As more Thais spend their days in urban environments dominated by concrete and screens, these findings resonate with the growing societal debates over mental health, urbanization, and environmental stewardship in Thailand and worldwide (Forbes).

A groundbreaking international study has found that children who own smartphones before the age of 13—especially girls—face a significantly higher risk of developing mental health issues in later life. This research, published in the Journal of Human Development and Capabilities and highlighted by ABC News, analyzed more than 100,000 young adults aged 18 to 24, shedding urgent light on a digital dilemma that increasingly resonates with Thai families navigating the rapid shift to online lifestyles (ABC News report).

Recent scientific research has illuminated a profound truth about how stress influences human social behavior: While stress may foster unity and generosity among members of the same group, it simultaneously stirs up aggression and suspicion toward those outside the group. These insights, highlighted in a July 2025 report by Psychology Today, draw from a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) and have far-reaching implications for societal cohesion, especially in rapidly changing societies like Thailand.

As artificial intelligence (AI) tools like chatbots and virtual companions gain traction in Thailand and around the world, fresh warnings are emerging about their possible negative consequences for mental health. Recent cases reported internationally reveal an unsettling trend: some individuals are developing intense emotional attachments, obsessive behaviors, or even psychotic episodes after extended interactions with AI tools—raising questions about how prepared society is to deal with this new technological frontier and its psychological risks (The Register).

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.

As viral health trends continue to sweep social media platforms in Thailand and beyond, the so-called “cortisol cocktail” — a fizzy blend claiming to ease stress and promote restful sleep — has become the latest wellness sensation. Despite its popularity, recent expert analysis reveals the health benefits touted by influencers may be overblown or, at best, rooted more in ritual than reliable science.

Originating on TikTok and other online wellness communities, the cortisol cocktail typically consists of magnesium powder, coconut water, citrus juice, and sometimes Himalayan salt or sparkling water. Influencers and practitioners promote the drink as a relaxation tool, attributing its power to lower levels of cortisol — the body’s stress hormone. In a region like Thailand, where rates of workplace stress and sleep problems have risen in recent years (WHO), the drink’s promise to provide relief resonates deeply with working adults, students, and caregivers seeking natural antidotes to daily pressures.

A recent debate around the so-called epidemic of male loneliness has prompted widespread discussion among psychologists, educators, and social commentators, with many questioning whether rising loneliness among men is a truly new phenomenon or simply an intensification of a long-standing struggle. The issue has come under the spotlight following a commentary published in Psychology Today, exploring the complex interplay between increasing isolation among men and cultural narratives about anti-male sentiment.

A groundbreaking new study has uncovered a surprising biological link between body temperature and depression, suggesting that even slight rises in daily body heat may march hand-in-hand with emotional lows. The research, conducted by an international team led by investigators at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and published in Scientific Reports, has far-reaching implications for the early detection and potential treatment of depression—an issue of deep and growing concern for Thais and others worldwide grappling with mental health challenges (Earth.com).

A recent study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders reveals that older adults who consume greater amounts of spermidine—a compound found in foods like aged cheese, mushrooms, and whole grains—tend to perform better on cognitive function tests. This finding offers a promising dietary strategy for Thailand’s rapidly aging society, where cognitive decline and dementia are growing health concerns.

The research team, led by a scientist affiliated with a U.S. university, analyzed data from over 2,600 Americans aged 60 and above, using the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Participants reported their diets through two 24-hour dietary recall interviews and completed four standardized cognitive assessments. The results showed a clear trend: those in the highest quarter for spermidine intake consistently achieved better cognitive test scores than peers with lower intake. Notably, the beneficial link was most pronounced in males, non-Hispanic whites, individuals classified as somewhat overweight (BMI 25–30), and those with hypertension or high cholesterol (PsyPost).

For introverts seeking romance in today’s connected world, new research highlights particular personality traits that can make finding lasting love especially difficult. While longing for connection is universal, introverts reportedly face unique hurdles in the dating landscape—ones rooted less in mere shyness and more in the way they process emotions, social interactions, and personal energy. A recent article published by YourTango and based on expert opinions and psychological studies breaks down 11 distinct characteristics that often set introverts apart in the search for love, offering both insight and practical takeaways for readers in Thailand and beyond (yourtango.com).

A major new meta-analysis led by University of Pennsylvania researchers has found that taking omega-3 supplements—commonly available in fish oil capsules—can reduce aggressive behavior by up to 28%, offering a potentially simple, affordable, and safe way to address a key public health challenge. The study, synthesizing almost three decades of international research, is the strongest evidence yet supporting nutritional intervention to reduce aggression among people of all ages and backgrounds (ScienceAlert; Penn Today).

In a revelation that has ignited international discussion, new research highlights alarming gaps in the brains of individuals displaying psychopathic traits, offering fresh neurological explanations for their chilling behaviors. The findings, which delve deep into the neurological underpinnings of psychopathy, provide unprecedented evidence of structural “voids” in regions key to emotion and empathy. For Thailand, a society balancing traditional values with modern criminal justice challenges, these insights shed crucial light on contentious debates about mental health, crime prevention, and rehabilitation.

A new wave of psychological research and personal reporting highlights a compelling reality: individuals who grew up amidst gaslighting are exceptionally adept at detecting subtle manipulation tactics—often before others are even aware. As this form of psychological abuse becomes more openly discussed in Thai society and worldwide, fresh insights are deepening our understanding of how survivors not only cope but develop unique, highly tuned systems for self-protection.

Gaslighting—a term coined from the 1944 film “Gaslight”—describes a form of manipulation where a person or group causes someone to question their own reality, memory, or perceptions. In Thailand, where family harmony and face-saving are highly valued, such abuse often unfolds quietly, creating lasting effects that are difficult to resolve publicly.

A groundbreaking study by a Japanese research team has revealed that optimists’ brains display strikingly similar patterns of neural activity when imagining the future, while pessimists’ neural signatures are much more unique and individualistic. Published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), the findings illuminate how our outlook on life is physically manifested in the mind—and may help explain why optimists excel at building social relationships (medicalxpress.com).

In a striking recent interview, a well-known British comedian revealed that after nearly three decades living under the shadow of severe depression, his mood and capacity for joy improved within seconds of learning he had adult ADHD—a moment he described as transformative and almost magical. While this story (reported by The Guardian) is deeply personal, it highlights a growing body of research underscoring the hidden prevalence of undiagnosed ADHD among adults, and its strong association with chronic depression. For many, especially in societies where mental health remains stigmatized, this account may offer new hope—and vital information about alternative pathways to recovery.

Mobile dating apps such as Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, and others have revolutionized how people initiate romantic or sexual connections, but experts now warn that these platforms are leaving a deeper emotional mark than many realize. According to the latest research and reporting, emotionally damaging behaviors like ghosting, breadcrumbing, and even the fabrication of personal information are increasingly prevalent online, causing growing psychological fatigue among users who seek genuine connections but find themselves navigating a minefield of manipulation and disappointment (El País).

A groundbreaking global study has found that children who begin using smartphones before the age of 13 face a significantly increased risk of mental health challenges—especially young girls—with consequences including lower self-esteem, difficulty managing emotions, and even suicidal thoughts. The findings, published in the Journal of Human Development and Capabilities and covered by media including Euronews, ABC News, and KHOU, are sending ripples through families, educators, and policymakers in Thailand as smartphone uptake among children soars.

Feeling younger than your actual age may be more than just a positive mindset—it could be a powerful predictor of your future health, happiness, and even the aging of your brain. According to a growing body of international research, including the latest insights published by Psychology Today on the impact of “subjective age,” this simple feeling can influence your physical and mental well-being throughout your later years (Psychology Today).

Subjective age is how old you feel compared to your actual, chronological age. It’s a surprisingly powerful self-perception: some people in their 80s report feeling decades younger, while others feel older than their biological years. Recent research shows that this feeling—far from being psychological fluff—has measurable effects on health, cognitive functioning, and even brain structure.

A growing body of research, supported by recent personal narratives, is challenging the notion that being alone is synonymous with loneliness—offering hope and practical strategies for Thais grappling with these feelings in a hyper-connected world. Drawing from recent evidence and expert analysis, the new perspectives suggest that learning to appreciate solitude, rather than fearing it, can not only ease feelings of invisibility but also boost overall mental well-being.

The significance of this evolving understanding is underscored by both lived experience and hard data. As recounted in a popular piece published by VegOut Magazine, the author describes a journey from feeling “invisible” in crowds or isolated with only social media for company, to actively embracing solo time as a source of self-knowledge and fulfillment. The article draws on the Harvard Making Caring Common project’s research, revealing that 36% of Americans report “serious loneliness”, including 61% of young adults—most strikingly, many are not physically isolated but feel emotionally disconnected even among friends and family vegoutmag.com, mcc.gse.harvard.edu/loneliness-project.

In a striking reversal of expectations shaped by decades of sexual liberation, new research reveals that Generation Z is experiencing what experts call a “sex recession” — with fewer young people engaging in intercourse than ever before. Recent findings shed light on the underlying causes and cultural anxieties fueling this unexpected trend, raising questions about the future of relationships, intimacy, and sexual well-being among Thailand’s youth and their global peers.

A new wave of research and social commentary is sparking heated debate about how Generation Z – those born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s – are “protecting their peace” in ways that older generations often view as avoidance or shirking of responsibility. The recently published feature in VegOut Magazine highlights nine key behaviors, such as ghosting, preemptive blocking, and “therapy speak” shutdowns, which are being reevaluated in both Western and Asian societies, including Thailand, for their impacts on mental health, workplace culture, family relationships, and social cohesion (VegOutMag.com).

In a landmark study challenging widespread beliefs about heredity and mental health, researchers have found that the majority of cases of serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression arise in individuals with no close family history of these conditions. The research, covering data from over 3 million people, calls for a shift in how mental health is understood and addressed both globally and within Thailand’s evolving mental health landscape (Neuroscience News).

A groundbreaking five-year study has found that individuals experiencing social anxiety are more likely to become lonely in the future, but not vice versa. This major discovery challenges prevailing assumptions and has important implications for how mental health professionals and Thai families address loneliness and isolation—major social and health issues within the Kingdom. The research, published in Psychological Medicine, draws on a large-scale, longitudinal dataset and is among the most robust to date in clarifying the connection between these two common struggles (PsyPost).