#Mentalhealth

As divorce rates remain steady, a new trend in co-parenting, called “birdnesting,” is drawing interest from parents worldwide—including in Thailand. The latest research and high-profile features, such as a recent piece in the Washington Post, shed light on how divorced couples are choosing to share the family home for the benefit of their children, even as they formally split as partners.

In a compelling case described by the Washington Post, parents who divorced chose to prioritize the stability of their children by keeping the family home as a shared, central residence. Rather than constantly moving their children back and forth between two homes, the former couple rotated in and out of the family apartment on a set schedule. This arrangement, dubbed “birdnesting,” is designed to minimize disruption for children during an often tumultuous period and to ensure that family routines and environments can be maintained, at least during the adjustment to a new family dynamic. According to the report, the former couple maintained an informal custody agreement, with the mother and father alternating time with their three children, leaving and arriving at clearly stipulated intervals to reduce friction Washington Post.

As July unfolds and Thais begin their annual mid-year escapes, the latest scientific insights suggest that the way we take vacations may matter more than the time or place. While many look forward to a break as a chance to replenish after months of work or study, research highlighted in Psychology Today reveals that not all holidays actually leave us feeling revived. It turns out, how we spend our vacation—and our ability to mentally step away from work—plays a significant role in whether a holiday truly recharges us or merely delivers fleeting relief (psychologytoday.com).

As Thailand’s healthcare system modernises and more children with complex health needs survive and thrive, a crucial question is gaining prominence: are we truly supporting the parents who shoulder the day-to-day care of sick or disabled children—or could we be unintentionally making their burden heavier? Echoing concerns raised in a recent commentary by The Guardian, leading-edge research highlights that while the journey of parenting often appears communal, families dealing with illness or disability travel a far lonelier, more taxing road that requires nuanced support from society, healthcare providers, and government systems (The Guardian).

New research is shedding light on the complex challenges faced by families raising children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), highlighting strategies that can foster family balance despite often overwhelming circumstances. As one of the most common childhood mental health diagnoses worldwide, ADHD not only disrupts classroom performance but reverberates through family life, impacting emotional well-being, relationships, and daily routines. The latest findings underscore the need for better understanding, targeted supports, and culturally sensitive guidance—an issue of growing urgency for Thai families grappling with rising ADHD diagnoses.

A new wave of scientific research is shedding light on the psychological and neurobiological roots of ideological extremism, revealing that certain mental traits may make people more susceptible to radical beliefs. According to recent findings discussed in Big Think, renowned researcher Dr. Leor Zmigrod, author of the book “The Ideological Brain,” has identified four principal psychological markers that correlate closely with extremist ideologies: cognitive rigidity, emotional volatility, differences in the amygdala, and structural traits within the prefrontal cortex.

Recent research and renewed public interest have brought “reparenting”—a therapeutic approach for healing emotional wounds from childhood—into the spotlight in Western psychological circles and increasingly in Thailand’s mental wellness community. As outlined in a recent article in The New York Times, reparenting has found a dedicated following on social media platforms, bookshelves, and in private counseling offices. This interest marks a significant shift in how both individuals and mental health professionals approach unresolved issues from early life, emphasizing stronger self-compassion and personal growth (The New York Times).

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 wave of new research has reignited scientific and public debate on “dopamine deficits”—a phenomenon whereby modern lifestyles, shaped by omnipresent digital media and high-reward environments, dampen our capacity for pleasure and motivation. Experts now warn that this subtle neurological imbalance is widespread, with significant consequences for mental health, productivity, and daily happiness—even in thriving societies such as Thailand.

Dopamine, a neurotransmitter made in the brain, is central to how humans pursue pleasure and rewards. While it’s essential for motivation and goal-seeking, new studies suggest that an abundance of high-stimulation activities—ranging from social media scrolling to ultra-processed foods—hijacks this system, leading to a flatlining of mood and satisfaction. The result is a chronic state where familiar joys fade and ordinary accomplishments lose their spark, pushing individuals toward ever-greater stimulation just to feel “normal” CNN Health.

A recent study from the University of Georgia has challenged the long-held belief that more exercise automatically translates to better mental health, revealing that not just the act of exercising, but the context in which it occurs, plays a pivotal role in determining its psychological impact (UGA News). This latest research invites Thai readers to rethink the way society prescribes and participates in physical activity, suggesting important implications for health promotion, education, and community wellness.

Groundbreaking research into psychedelic compounds is shedding new light on how these substances might revolutionize the treatment of mental health disorders, promising innovative alternatives for people in Thailand and across the globe. A suite of recent studies explores the biological and psychological mechanisms by which psychedelics—including psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms), lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), ayahuasca, and MDMA—modulate brain circuits, emotions, and cognition with potentially enduring therapeutic benefits. These advances herald a growing shift from anecdotal and early-phase examinations of psychedelics toward a more rigorous, mechanistic understanding crucial for clinical application.

As social media influencers continue to spark viral nutrition fads under the banner of “glow-up” – a term capturing the idea of rapid self-improvement – leading dietitians are sounding alarms about potentially harmful dietary trends gaining traction both globally and in Thailand. Based on the latest analysis by Western and Thai-registered dietitians, several popular habits promoted online, from extreme fasting to restrictive eating, are not only unsupported by scientific evidence but could also undermine physical and mental health, especially among young people. Understanding which “glow-up” trends to avoid is now a matter of public awareness as Thailand faces rising rates of diet-related illnesses and mental health challenges.

A recent feature on a 96-year-old woman’s fulfilling daily life, combined with insights from leading aging experts, is shedding new light on what it takes to live longer—and more importantly, to live well. The article, published on July 9, 2025, by CNN, highlights the importance of purpose-driven living, continuous mental stimulation, adaptable habits, and strong social networks, arguing that these factors are just as critical to healthy aging as nutrition and exercise. For Thai readers navigating a rapidly greying society, these findings resonate deeply and offer practical strategies to combat loneliness and extend quality of life in later years.

A new wave of millennial fathers is pushing to share parenting duties equally with their partners, but workplace culture and longstanding gender norms continue to place significant barriers in their way, according to recent research and widespread expert commentary. This growing tension between the desire to be present fathers and the realities of contemporary work life raises essential questions for families, companies, and policymakers not only in Western countries but also in societies like Thailand, where gender roles and work cultures are rapidly evolving.

A groundbreaking study has found that just 30 days of daily mindfulness meditation can significantly boost attentional control in people of all ages, making it a promising tool for maintaining brain health as we grow older. Published by researchers at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, this research stands out as it uses precise eye-tracking technology to objectively demonstrate these cognitive benefits—offering insight beyond what self-report questionnaires reveal.

Interest in the cognitive benefits of mindfulness has been rising globally, including among Thai educators, healthcare professionals, and the general public. This study carries particular resonance in Thailand, where meditation traditions rooted in Buddhism intersect with growing concerns about cognitive health in an aging population. As Thais increasingly look to both traditional and contemporary wellness strategies, this scientific validation of mindfulness as a tool for attentional fitness may encourage broader adoption in schools, offices, and even elderly care settings.

As more Thais grapple with the impact of chronic stress—from sleepless nights to lingering anxiety—scientific evidence is growing that certain foods can play a role in calming the body’s stress signals. Newly highlighted by researchers and nutritionists, a list of nine easily accessible foods offers a natural and nutritious way to help reduce the body’s production of cortisol, the so-called “stress hormone,” and support mental and physical wellbeing. This insight comes as part of a wider global push toward holistic health, with food and lifestyle choices taking centre stage in stress management strategies.

A growing body of research highlights that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can have profound and often overlooked effects on sexual health and intimate relationships, affecting millions of women globally — including many in Thailand. Experts are calling for a more holistic approach to PCOS care, integrating medical treatment, psychological support, and open dialogue between partners to address these sensitive challenges.

PCOS is a common hormonal disorder marked by irregular menstrual cycles, increased levels of androgens (male hormones), and cysts on the ovaries. While much focus has traditionally been given to its physical symptoms — such as menstrual irregularity, acne, and unwanted hair growth — a recent report from the Indian Express draws attention to the significant and often hidden burdens that PCOS places on a woman’s sex life and emotional well-being (Indian Express).

A newly published review in JAMA Psychiatry has sparked controversy among mental health experts, raising concerns that it significantly underestimates the risks faced by long-term users of antidepressants when they attempt to discontinue their medication. The debate centers on the review’s focus on short-term, industry-funded studies and has important implications for millions worldwide, including a growing cohort of patients in Thailand who rely on antidepressant therapy.

Antidepressant withdrawal — the range of physical and psychological symptoms experienced when stopping or reducing dosage — has come under increased scrutiny as more people use these medications for extended periods. While previous medical guidelines, such as those from the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), described withdrawal as “brief and mild,” recent scrutiny has revealed a more complex picture, particularly for long-term users. The new JAMA Psychiatry review, authored in part by academics with ties to pharmaceutical companies, concludes that withdrawal symptoms from antidepressants are generally not clinically significant for most users, especially those on the medication for only eight to twelve weeks. Its analysis, based on eleven trials — the vast majority of which involved short-term use — found slightly more withdrawal symptoms in those stopping antidepressants than in placebo groups, but the authors attribute much of this to the “nocebo effect” (the power of negative expectations to trigger adverse symptoms) rather than to withdrawal itself.

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).

In recent years, the hormone oxytocin has attracted widespread scientific attention for its profound influence on human health and happiness. Emerging research highlights practical, research-backed methods for naturally increasing oxytocin — offering Thais new insights into stress reduction, social connection, and overall well-being.

Often referred to as the “love hormone” or “cuddle chemical,” oxytocin plays a fundamental role not just in childbirth and maternal bonding but in everyday experiences of trust, empathy, and even physical healing. For Thai readers navigating urban stress, close family ties, and a society in transition, understanding how to unlock the benefits of oxytocin has never been more relevant. The latest research, as summarized in a comprehensive Boston Globe feature, explores both the science and practical daily actions anyone can take.

Many people find themselves trapped in a cycle of wondering whether they are “too much” or “not enough”—too sensitive, too quiet, not accomplished enough, not funny enough. Recent research and expert commentary indicate that this persistent sense of emotional limbo is both common and rooted in psychological mechanisms that can be understood and addressed. A recent article published by VegOut Mag captures the inner struggle: after an event or conversation, many people replay their words and actions, second-guessing themselves or feeling like outsiders who can never quite fit in. For Thai readers, who often face strong cultural norms around harmony and social acceptance, these findings have particularly powerful resonance.

New research is shedding light on how the simple act of maintaining eye contact reveals far more about your confidence, self-esteem, and social intelligence than most realize, according to recent psychology findings summarised in a July 2025 report by VegOut Magazine. Drawing from extensive interviews with psychologists and peer-reviewed studies, the article uncovers eight core areas where gaze behavior provides insight into personal assurance, social anxiety, and even intercultural competence, offering practical lessons for Thais navigating workplace, family, and public interactions.

A groundbreaking new study suggests that obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a condition that has long baffled mental health experts, may have roots that extend far beyond the brain—down into the gut. Researchers in China have discovered compelling evidence that the bacteria living in our digestive systems, collectively known as the gut microbiota, could play a direct causal role in the development of OCD. This insight has the potential to reshape our understanding of a disorder that affects up to 3 percent of people worldwide and has proven notoriously difficult to treat effectively (ScienceAlert).

A recent incident has ignited considerable public discussion about empathy, etiquette, and the complexity of family dynamics after a woman walked out of a baby shower she had organized, following an insensitive joke from the expectant mother referencing the host’s struggles with infertility. The story, originating from an online forum and reported by Yahoo Lifestyle, has since garnered widespread attention, highlighting the profound emotional impact of infertility and the importance of sensitivity in social interactions.

For many Thais struggling to stick with regular exercise, the solution may not be about finding more time or better equipment, but rather choosing physical activities that suit their personality. According to a new study published in Frontiers in Psychology and highlighted by CNN, matching workouts to personality traits can not only make exercise more enjoyable but may also lead to better long-term results.

Historically, the quest for sustaining an active lifestyle has often been met with frustration, as standard health advice tends to promote one-size-fits-all solutions like running, high-intensity workouts, or group fitness classes. But as recent research indicates, these approaches could be counterproductive—especially for people whose natural preferences make such routines actually demotivating. In a society like Thailand, where the fast-paced Bangkok work life and rural traditions collide, this insight sheds new light on the barriers keeping many from regular exercise.