#Mentalhealth

The pervasive presence of digital screens in the lives of adolescents is increasingly seen as a contributing factor to sleep disruptions and rising depression rates, particularly among teenage girls. A recent study published in PLOS Global Public Health by researchers from the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden delves into these associations, emphasizing that reducing screen time could alleviate mental health issues in young people.

The research tracked over 4,810 Swedish teenagers, aged between 12 and 16, over a one-year period. The study meticulously documented their screen usage, sleep patterns, and depressive symptoms. The findings were clear: increased screen time was linked to poorer sleep quality and timing, which in turn predicted depressive symptoms.

The bustling world of A.D.H.D. diagnosis and treatment has come under fresh scrutiny as new research questions long-held beliefs about the disorder’s nature and treatment. A detailed New York Times article by Paul Tough, “Have We Been Thinking About A.D.H.D. All Wrong?,” dives deep into the evolving understanding of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (A.D.H.D.) and how it is frequently addressed through medical treatments, challenging the current paradigm with emerging scientific insights.

In an era where altruism and humanitarian efforts are celebrated, it might be surprising to discover a type of narcissism that thrives under the guise of good deeds. Recently, the concept of ‘communal narcissism’ has gained attention for its unique characteristics. Unlike the stereotypical narcissist who is overtly arrogant and self-centered, communal narcissists often appear deeply invested in community and charity. However, their underlying motivation is attention rather than genuine concern for others, a trait confirmed by experts in psychology and behavior.

A recent investigation led by Harvard Medical School has uncovered a compelling link between repeated exposure to shock waves in military settings and hidden abnormalities in soldiers’ brains that could have long-term implications. This groundbreaking research sheds light on the invisible injuries sustained by elite soldiers, potentially redefining assessments and treatment protocols for brain trauma.

For Thailand, where military service is obligatory for many young men, these findings could prompt a re-evaluation of how we monitor and care for soldiers exposed to blast environments. The study involved 212 US special operations forces, both active and retired, who had a history of blast exposure. Researchers identified significant differences in the brain’s functional connectivity among those with high exposure to blasts compared to those with lesser exposure and healthy controls. Functional connectivity refers to how different brain regions communicate, and disruptions in this network were linked with more severe symptoms on neuropsychological tests, revealing problems often associated with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).

As global challenges continue to multiply, the presence of stress seems inescapable for many. Even if we ourselves aren’t the direct victims of conflicts, economic instability, or personal setbacks, the ubiquity of such issues through media and personal networks often leaves us sharing the stress of others. New research highlighted by the Washington Post delves into the phenomenon of stress contagion—where stress spreads between individuals just like a virus—and offers strategies to help shield oneself from its grip.

In a climate of heightened economic uncertainty, marked by tariffs and volatile stock markets, financial anxiety has become a pressing issue not only for Americans but for individuals globally, including in Thailand. A recent article from the New York Times highlights strategies to manage the stress that often accompanies sudden economic shifts. As these international economic tremors can affect global markets, understanding how to preserve mental and financial well-being is essential.

In a groundbreaking study, researchers from Harvard, Stanford, and Northwestern University have discovered a significant connection between specific brain circuits and the intensity with which individuals engage in political activities. This revelation marks a vital step in understanding the neurological underpinnings of political behaviors, showing that intense ideological expression might be attributed to particular neural pathways rather than political ideology itself.

Historically, science has acknowledged the links between certain mental health disorders and aggressive political actions. However, the precise role the brain plays in these behaviors has remained largely unexplored. The latest study, published in the journal “Brain,” has addressed this gap by examining the neural circuits that potentially influence political actions.

Recent studies and expert analyses have shed light on a lesser-known form of narcissism termed “communal narcissism.” Unlike the typical narcissist, who flaunts their personal successes and entitlement, communal narcissists are characterized by their apparent involvement in community and altruistic efforts. However, their primary motivation lies in the attention and recognition they receive as perceived “pillars” of the community.

Communal narcissism, as articulated by Hannah Alderete, a licensed mental health counselor, is a subtype where individuals appear deeply involved in community involvement but lack genuine empathy or care for others. They thrive on the validation and esteem garnered from portraying themselves as the most caring, helpful, or moral individuals within their community. This form of narcissism emerged from the work of social psychologist Jochen Gebauer and is noted for being less overt yet still driven by self-aggrandizing motives.

An investigative series by the Chicago Sun-Times has brought to light the stark and often perilous consequences of systemic failures in mental health services. This series zeroes in on long-term, untreated mental illness cases linked to violent incidents in downtown Chicago, revealing the critical gaps in a system tasked with aiding those in crisis. The Sun-Times investigation, led by accomplished journalists Stephanie Zimmermann and Frank Main, paints a sobering picture of the intersection between untreated mental health issues and public safety concerns.

In an increasingly turbulent world, stress is becoming an everyday challenge for many people, with recent studies revealing a marked spike in anxiety levels among Americans in 2025. Contributing factors vary widely, from massive layoffs of federal employees to adverse weather conditions impacting communities. A survey conducted by the mental health platform Modern Health found that three-quarters of U.S. workers felt despondent from current political and global developments. Dr. Neha Chaudhary, a seasoned psychiatrist, noted that many of her patients cannot recall a time of such significant stress and uncertainty.

In a significant move aimed at addressing the mental health crisis within the construction industry, a new bill introduced in the Minnesota Senate proposes a $1 million allocation to support mental health initiatives over the next two years. This legislative action underscores a growing recognition of the unique mental health challenges faced by construction workers, whose rates of mental health issues and suicide are alarmingly higher than those of the general population.

Recent research conducted by Katerina Johnson and Laura Steenbergen at Leiden University has unveiled the potential benefits of probiotics in reducing negative emotions, a finding that could pave the way for novel mental health interventions. Published in the journal npj Mental Health Research, the study highlights the impact of these “good” bacteria on mood regulation, particularly through their interaction with the gut-brain axis.

Probiotics, often available in supermarkets as drinks or tablets and naturally found in foods like yogurt, fermented cheese, and sauerkraut, are primarily celebrated for enhancing gut health. However, this study suggests they may also play a significant role in mental well-being. The gut-brain connection, as explained by Johnson, involves pathways where gut bacteria influence feelings and behavior via the vagus nerve, immune system, and hormones.

Managing stress related to busy schedules has become an ever-present concern in our fast-paced lives. A recent article by Jancee Dunn in The New York Times explores practical ways to alleviate time anxiety—a common struggle impacting many, as confirmed by a Pew Research Center survey indicating that 60% of people feel overwhelmed by their schedules at times. The insights shared in the piece, combined with expert advice, offer a pathway for individuals to regain control over their time and reduce stress.

In a digital landscape where screens feature prominently from classrooms to bedrooms, increased screen time among teen girls has ignited concerns over depressive symptoms. A recent study highlights the growing connection between prolonged screen exposure and emotional turmoil, creating an urgent need for interventions tailored to Thai adolescents.

As teens submerge themselves in social media, streaming platforms, and online classes, the potential for cyberbullying intensifies. Teen girls, in particular, report higher incidences of online harassment, delivering adverse emotional impacts. Furthermore, late-night scrolling disrupts sleep patterns crucial for mood regulation. The lure of screens often sidetracks physical activity, an essential factor for maintaining happiness and energy.

In the vibrant cacophony of modern life, stress has become a near-constant companion for many. Amidst global disruptions, economic shifts, and the relentless scroll of social media, a new report suggests that stress isn’t just an individual burden—it’s contagious. Recognizing and managing this “stress contagion” is increasingly vital for maintaining mental wellness.

Understanding the contagious nature of stress offers insight into how emotions and behaviors spread within communities and social groups, much like physical viruses. The report from the Washington Post explores how stress can be transmitted from one individual to another, exacerbated by the omnipresence of social media where stressors are magnified. Natalia Duque-Wilckens, an assistant professor at North Carolina State University, emphasizes how humans, being inherently social beings, often transmit stress through the sharing of negative news.

Recent research conducted by Katerina Johnson and Laura Steenbergen, published in the journal npj Mental Health Research, indicates that probiotics may reduce negative feelings, offering potential mental health benefits. This study adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that the benefits of probiotics go beyond gut health and extend into mental well-being. Probiotics, commonly consumed through yogurts, fermented cheeses, and supplements, harbor beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which can influence not just physical health but how we feel, potentially impacting mood regulation.

In 2025, stress levels in the United States have escalated dramatically due to significant events ranging from widespread economic layoffs to extreme weather conditions. According to a March study, three-quarters of working Americans reported feeling demoralized by the political and economic climate. Psychiatrist Dr. Neha Chaudhary highlighted a similar sentiment, noting that many of her patients cannot recall feeling this level of stress before.

Adding to the tension, former President Donald Trump’s announcement of new global tariffs induced a sharp decline in market confidence, potentially leading to increased prices for daily necessities, further layoffs, and fears of a recession. Financial advisor Suze Orman, citing Warren Buffett, advised maintaining composure despite the chaos.

Recent findings underscore the significant role snacks might play in managing anxiety, a mental health condition impacting nearly one in five adults globally, with implications similarly seen in Thailand. This connection between food and mood, highlighted by dietitians, suggests that diet, although not the primary treatment for anxiety, can serve as a supportive tool in mental health strategies. Among various options, Apple & Peanut Butter Energy Balls have emerged as the late-night snack praised for their calming effects.

Recent cutting-edge research from MIT and Harvard Medical School reveals that cytokines, immune molecules that play a crucial role in fighting infections, also affect brain functions, inducing profound behavioral changes such as anxiety or increased sociability. This discovery opens new avenues for understanding the interconnectedness of the immune and nervous systems and illuminates potential pathways for treating neurological conditions like autism and depression.

Cytokines, including a variety named IL-17, have been the focus of these transformative studies. Researchers discovered that IL-17 operates in the brain’s distinct regions—the amygdala and the somatosensory cortex—eliciting contrasting effects. Within the amygdala, IL-17 induces anxiety, while in the cortex, it promotes sociability. These dual roles underscore a complex interaction between the brain and immune system, suggesting that behavioral changes during illness are not solely due to physical fatigue but also to brain functions being directly modulated by immune activity.

A recent exploration into Dr. Luc Beaudoin’s cognitive shuffling method could offer a tranquil solution for those battling sleepless nights, a condition all too familiar to many Thais navigating hectic urban lifestyles. This innovative mental exercise promises to silence racing thoughts, helping individuals drift off into a restful slumber sooner.

Cognitive shuffling, initially conceptualized by Dr. Beaudoin during his undergraduate years, has resurfaced as a prominent method for promoting better sleep. Envisioned during his studies on visual motion detection—a concept where the brain processes moving images—it dawned on Beaudoin that the brain’s control system for sleep onset might be tricked into inducing sleep through controlled, random thoughts. The technique formally emerged in 2009, aiming to assist individuals who struggle with insomnia, an issue that resonates with countless people worldwide, including in Thailand.

In a world increasingly fraught with stressors, a growing number of experts advocate for micro-meditations as an effective remedy CNBC. With stress levels surging due to economic uncertainties and extreme weather conditions, according to a recent March study, people seek ways to calm their rising anxiety. Dr. Esther Sternberg, a prominent physician and author, emphasizes that micro-meditations can be performed anywhere and require minimal time commitment, offering immediate relief.

This growing stress mirrors the sentiments expressed by many of Dr. Neha Chaudhary’s patients, who are grappling with unprecedented levels of stress. Chaudhary, a respected psychiatrist, underscored the necessity of integrating stress-reduction techniques into daily life, particularly as political and economic tensions rise, with recent global tariffs announced by President Donald Trump adding to financial insecurities.

Recent research led by MIT and Harvard Medical School has uncovered the intriguing role that the immune molecule interleukin-17 (IL-17) plays in shaping social behavior and anxiety by acting directly on specific brain regions. This groundbreaking study reveals that IL-17 serves dual functions: enhancing sociability by reducing neuron excitability in the brain’s cortex and triggering anxiety by increasing excitability in the amygdala. These findings suggest IL-17 acts like a neuromodulator, drawing a fascinating link between immune system activity and behavioral outcomes, with potential implications for the treatment of conditions like autism and depression (Neuroscience News).

In a world increasingly dominated by digital screens, new research from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden sheds light on the concerning interplay between screen time, sleep disruption, and rising depression rates among teenagers. Published recently in PLOS Global Public Health, the study underscores the critical need for stakeholders, including parents and educators, to tackle this growing issue with urgency.

The study analyzed data from over 4,800 adolescents, aged 12 to 16, tracking their screen use, sleep habits, and mental health symptoms over one year. It discovered that excessive screen time significantly compromises both the quality and duration of sleep, which in turn elevates depression risk, notably among young girls. For boys, the link between screen use and depression was more straightforward, while for girls, disrupted sleep was the pivotal factor connecting screen exposure to mood disorders.

New research reveals that what we often refer to as “zoning out” might not be a sign of distraction or laziness but rather a hidden superpower of the brain. This intriguing study suggests that when our minds wander during mundane tasks, our brains might be engaging in a form of mini rest, akin to taking a nap, that can enhance cognitive function.

In the throes of a monotonous lecture or the drag of repetitive daily tasks, most of us have experienced moments where our minds drift off into an unexpected daydream. This phenomenon, colloquially known as “zoning out,” is not merely an escape mechanism from boredom or lack of interest. It turns out that when you drift into a daydream, your brain activity mimics certain stages of sleep, particularly the stages that involve slow wave patterns. These are the very patterns associated with rest and memory consolidation, offering the brain calculated mini-breaks while still awake.