#Mentalhealth

A wave of new research offers hope for people in Thailand and around the world who live with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Targeted cognitive training may reduce negative self-perceptions, a core symptom of these conditions, potentially improving mental health outcomes and quality of life.

In Thailand, the study’s relevance is clear. Cultural values around face, self-respect, and resilience shape how people experience mental illness. Negative self-beliefs can worsen symptoms, hinder daily functioning, strain families, and limit social and career opportunities—issues that matter deeply in a Thai context that emphasizes harmony and personal presentation.

Recent research in social psychology is shedding new light on the powerful yet often overlooked social benefits of simple acts like making eye contact and engaging in small talk with strangers. At a time when loneliness and social disconnection are on the rise worldwide—including in Thailand—experts suggest that these small gestures are not merely polite, but serve as “psychological generosity” with tangible benefits for both individuals and society as a whole. The insights, published in The Conversation by a professor of social psychology, challenge the prevailing trends of tech-induced social withdrawal and make a compelling case for a renewed focus on everyday human connection in public spaces (The Conversation).

A wave of change is sweeping through parenting strategies worldwide, and Thailand is no exception. “Gentle parenting”—a term gaining popularity on social media platforms—has emerged as a favored approach among a growing segment of parents. Recent studies, as reported in a CNN health article, shed light on what gentle parenting actually means, debunk common misconceptions, and explore its potential benefits and challenges for families—especially those eager to nurture resilience and emotional intelligence in their children.

A global shift in parenting, including in Thailand, is moving away from harsh discipline toward gentler approaches. Gentle parenting has gained traction on social media as more parents seek emotional connection with their children. Recent coverage highlights what gentle parenting means, clears up common myths, and examines its potential benefits and challenges for families aiming to nurture resilience and emotional intelligence.

Around the world, many parents are rethinking traditional methods. A 2023 Pew Research Center survey showed that nearly half of parents want to raise their children differently from their own upbringing. The goal is to foster open dialogue and reduce shouting, while still maintaining clear expectations. But how does gentle parenting differ from familiar styles, and what does it look like in everyday life?

A major new study has confirmed a troubling link: as preteens spend more time on social media, their risk of experiencing depressive symptoms rises significantly—a finding with profound implications for parents, educators, and policymakers in Thailand and around the world. The longitudinal research, published in JAMA Network Open and conducted by a team at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), tracked nearly 12,000 children over three years and delivered the strongest evidence yet that increased screen time can actually cause later depression in youth, not just reflect existing mood changes. For a country like Thailand, where smartphone and social media penetration among youth have soared, these findings raise urgent questions about digital wellbeing and mental health support for the next generation.

A new wave in fitness is gaining traction globally — and it’s as simple as walking, but with a twist. The Japanese interval walking method, now popular on social media and the subject of emerging scientific research, promises to boost cardiovascular health, reduce blood pressure, increase muscle strength, and support overall well-being through a simple but structured walking routine.

Originating in Japan as Interval Walking Training (IWT), this approach alternates short bursts of high-intensity walking with periods of slower-paced recovery. Proponents say it’s a smarter way to walk, delivering health results often associated with more strenuous exercise — and recent anecdotal reports, like one published by Tom’s Guide, suggest the method is accessible and enjoyable enough for sustained practice (Tom’s Guide).

A simple activity is catching global attention: walking with purpose. The Japanese interval walking method breaks walking into short, brisk bursts followed by recovery, delivering noticeable health benefits. Enthusiasts say it’s approachable, enjoyable, and effective for cardiovascular health, blood pressure, strength, and overall well-being.

IWT originated in Japan as Interval Walking Training. It alternates three minutes of brisk walking with three minutes of relaxed pace. This cycle lasts about 30 minutes and is recommended three to four times per week. The approach emphasizes structure over sheer volume, contrasting with the traditional 10,000-step target. Proponents argue that it offers a smarter way to walk and achieve fitness gains tied to more intensive activity.

A major Oxford study shows loneliness is not merely an emotional issue. It compounds health risks for people on low incomes, even when social time is similar to that of wealthier groups. The research followed about 24,500 individuals across 20 European countries and found that nearly half of the lowest-income participants felt lonely, versus 15% of higher-income peers. The loneliness tied to poverty was linked to higher pain, fatigue, and low mood, a pattern researchers describe as a “defensive symptom cluster.” Social connections provided the strongest relief for those on the economic margin, underscoring the critical role of relationships in health outcomes.

A newly published study by University College London (UCL) researchers reveals that individuals who have taken antidepressants for more than two years are vastly more likely to suffer severe and long-lasting withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing the medication, compared to those prescribed antidepressants for less than six months. The findings, which come at a critical time as antidepressant prescriptions have soared worldwide, suggest that the duration of use is a key driver for withdrawal difficulty, potentially prompting a significant shift in how these medications are prescribed and managed both globally and in Thailand.

Recent findings from University College London show that people on antidepressants for more than two years are far more likely to experience severe and lasting withdrawal when stopping the medication than those who used them for under six months. With antidepressant prescriptions rising worldwide, the study suggests the duration of use strongly drives withdrawal difficulty and could influence prescribing and tapering practices in Thailand.

In Thailand, antidepressants such as SSRIs are commonly prescribed for depression and anxiety, reflecting international trends. Data from the UCL study indicate that long-term users have a tenfold higher risk of withdrawal compared with short-term users, and about one in four people who have taken antidepressants for more than two years report severe withdrawal symptoms. The growing acceptance of mental health treatment in Thai communities after the pandemic makes these findings highly relevant for patients and clinicians.

Meditation, an ancient tradition long embraced by Buddhist monks and spiritual seekers in Thailand and beyond, is now in the limelight for a new reason—its proven benefits, grounded in modern science. Recent research, as reported by major health authorities and summarized by a new article in the Times of India (timesofindia.indiatimes.com), unveils how practicing meditation goes far beyond just a sense of calm, offering measurable positive effects for both body and brain.

A recent research study has found that the strict, high-expectation parenting style widely known as the “tiger mom” approach can significantly enhance adolescents’ cognitive abilities—but may simultaneously undermine their emotional health. The findings, published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal and widely reported by PsyPost, highlight the complex trade-offs facing families who adopt stringent methods in hopes of academic success.

For Thai parents and educators, the results are especially significant in the context of increasing concerns about youth mental health and a highly competitive education system. The “tiger mom” style, popularized by Asian families and often associated with relentless academic rigor and disciplined routines, has gained both admiration and criticism in Thailand’s urban, middle-class communities. As pressure mounts on students to excel in national exams and international competitions, understanding the effects of such parenting approaches is more critical than ever.

A new wave of research offers hope for individuals in Thailand and worldwide battling depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as cognitive training techniques show promise in reducing negative self-perceptions—a hallmark symptom of these mental health conditions. According to a recent report by PsyPost, targeted cognitive training interventions could reshape the way people with depression and PTSD view themselves, potentially supporting better mental health outcomes and overall quality of life.

For Thai readers, this research is particularly significant given the culture’s deep-rooted values around face, self-respect, and the importance placed on emotional resilience. Negative self-perceptions not only exacerbate mental health conditions but can also impede daily functioning, strain family relationships, and limit social and career opportunities—issues especially salient in the Thai context, where societal harmony and personal presentation are emphasized.

A major new study from the University of Oxford finds that loneliness is not just a matter of feeling isolated—it actually hurts the health of the poor more than the wealthy, even when both groups spend similar amounts of time socializing. Surveying over 24,500 people across 20 European countries, researchers discovered that nearly half of low-income individuals reported feeling lonely, versus just 15% of their high-income peers. Most strikingly, these lonely, low-income individuals experienced far higher rates of pain, fatigue, and low mood—a so-called “defensive symptom cluster”—with social relationships providing the strongest relief for those at the economic margins Neuroscience News.

A new study challenges the idea that nostalgia is purely comforting. Researchers report that memories once cherished for their warmth can become increasingly bittersweet as years pass. Published in Cognition & Emotion, the work explores how the emotional tone of past events shifts over time and what this means for Thai readers who deeply value family, festivals, and collective memory.

Nostalgia has long been linked to positive outcomes—strengthening social bonds, supporting identity, and sustaining optimism. The latest research, led by Tim Wildschut and colleagues, reveals a more complex picture: repeated reflection on the past often carries a subtle undertone of sadness, and this duality grows with time.

Resilience is celebrated as the ability to rebound from adversity, but a growing body of research warns of a darker side: toxic resilience. When the drive to push through hardships becomes harmful, it can deepen exhaustion and fuel burnout. In Thailand, where perseverance, adaptability, and family responsibilities are highly valued, distinguishing healthy resilience from its toxic counterpart is especially important for workers, students, and caregivers.

According to the American Psychological Association, resilience is the process and outcome of adapting to difficult life experiences through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility. In practice, this means bouncing back from setbacks—such as job changes, difficult home environments, or academic struggles. Thai culture often ties resilience to the Buddhist concept of khanti, or patience and forbearance, reinforcing perseverance as a virtue.

Meditation, a practice deeply rooted in Thai culture and Buddhist tradition, is gaining new relevance as science confirms its health benefits. A recent wave of research summarized by health authorities shows that meditation goes beyond calmness, delivering measurable advantages for both body and brain. For Thai readers, this evidence aligns with everyday life in temples, schools, and workplace wellness programs across Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and other cities.

As urban life intensifies stress—due to work, exams, and digital distractions—evidence-based wellbeing strategies become increasingly valuable for Thailand’s families and professionals. International studies have shown that mindfulness-based meditation can reduce depressive symptoms on par with some antidepressant treatments, helping people break free from negative thought patterns and build mental resilience. Hospitals in Thailand are piloting mindfulness programs to bring these benefits to patients and staff.

A new look at everyday behavior shows that simple acts like making eye contact and chatting with strangers can significantly improve mental health and social cohesion. Researchers describe these micro-actions as psychological generosity—small but meaningful choices that acknowledge others and benefit both individuals and communities. The findings come from a social psychology perspective that urges a renewed focus on human connection in public spaces, especially as digital life often dominates daily routines.

A major study confirms a troubling link: as preteens spend more time on social media, their risk of depressive symptoms rises. This finding matters for Thai families, teachers, and policymakers aiming to safeguard young people’s mental health in a digital age.

Researchers from UCSF analyzed data from a large, long-term study of nearly 12,000 children, following them from ages 9–10 into early adolescence. They found that daily social media use increased from about seven minutes to 73 minutes over three years, while depressive symptoms rose by about 35 percent. Importantly, the study shows that greater social media engagement precedes increases in depressive symptoms, suggesting the online environment itself can influence mood, not just reflect existing struggles. In Thailand, where smartphone use among youth is widespread, these findings prompt urgent questions about digital wellbeing and support systems in schools and communities.

A powerful story from The Telegraph about parents losing two sons to suicide has sparked renewed discussion in Thailand about how families and schools can bolster young people’s mental health. The piece centers on a parent’s grief and questions whether today’s youths are equipped to cope with suffering in an increasingly complex world.

Suicide remains a leading cause of death among young people worldwide, and Thailand is no exception. Data from Thailand’s Department of Mental Health show adolescent suicide rates have risen over the past decade. Experts attribute this trend to heightened academic pressure, family tensions, and the isolating effects of social media. The Telegraph article’s hopeful focus on resilience mirrors concerns voiced by Thai educators and public health officials about emotional fragility and the need for practical coping skills among students.

A deeply moving account recently published by The Telegraph, titled “Both of My Sons Took Their Own Lives. I Feel I Didn’t Teach Them Well Enough How to Suffer,” has reignited urgent conversations worldwide—including in Thailand—about youth suicide and the profound challenges parents face in supporting children’s mental health. The story, which recounts a parent’s devastating loss of two sons to suicide, highlights a poignant, widely shared concern: Are families and schools adequately preparing young people to cope with suffering and emotional distress in an increasingly complex world?

A renowned psychologist who studies children and digital screens shared a personal confession: his greatest parenting regret isn’t about work, but about not better limiting his own children’s screen time. This candid reflection, informed by current research, sparks important conversations among Thai families and educators about smartphones, tablets, and gaming. The message travels beyond borders, yet it carries a special urgency for Thailand, where young people increasingly embrace digital devices.

A major new study from researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) has found a significant association between increased social media use and rising depression rates among young adolescents—a finding that is especially relevant as Thai families grapple with the impact of digital technology on youth mental health. The research, published this week and covered by KQED, tracked nearly 12,000 children and adolescents nationwide over several years and revealed that their social media usage rose sharply between the ages of 9 and 13, paralleled by a concerning 30% uptick in reported depressive symptoms during the same period.

A major study from researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) finds a significant link between growing social media use and rising depression among young adolescents. The findings are highly relevant for Thai families navigating the impact of digital technology on youth mental health. The research followed nearly 12,000 children and teenagers over several years and showed sharp increases in social media use between ages 9 and 13, coinciding with a 30% rise in reported depressive symptoms.