#Mentalhealth

A new wave of research is questioning the cost of “doing it all” as a parent, with clear relevance for families across Thailand. The latest insights argue that the culture of “good parenting” often glorifies exhaustion and self-sacrifice, leaving parents drained, relationships strained, and personal well-being at risk. With Thai families juggling work, school, and social pressures, this perspective asks how we can protect health and happiness while supporting children’s growth.

A new wave of research and social commentary is shining a critical light on the true cost of “doing it all” as a parent — and the findings are deeply relevant for families across Thailand. The latest Psychology Today article, “Running on Empty: The True Cost of Doing It All” by Drs. Alona Pulde and Matthew Lederman, argues that today’s culture of “good parenting” glorifies exhaustion and self-sacrifice, leaving parents depleted, relationships strained, and personal well-being on the line (source). At a time when both global and Thai parents are expected to juggle relentless schedules, this new perspective asks: Are we sacrificing too much at the altar of good parenting, and what can we do differently for the health of both families and children?

Recent research and expert statements have highlighted an often silent struggle faced by cancer patients worldwide—including here in Thailand: the significant unmet need for sexual health support during and after cancer treatment. As treatments improve and survival rates rise, the quality of life, especially intimate wellbeing, has emerged as an urgent concern for many survivors and their families. Medical professionals from the Cleveland Clinic and Thai academic circles now urge healthcare providers, patients, and policy-makers to recognize sexual health as an integral part of cancer care—one that is too often neglected, misunderstood, or left unaddressed (Cleveland Clinic, 2024; J Med Assoc Thai PDF).

A recent column in The Washington Post prompted fierce debate after a grandmother described her daughter’s strategy of letting a 2½-year-old granddaughter cry for up to 30 minutes rather than picking her up—a response designed, the parents say, to encourage independence and make things easier for teachers at preschool. But is “crying it out” appropriate or potentially harmful at this age? New neuroscience studies and child psychology experts urge a more nuanced, compassionate approach, especially for young Thai families navigating traditional and modern parenting advice.

With Thailand’s city streets and scenic parks coming alive during Bangkok’s hot season, a wave of new research and expert opinions confirms a message too often underestimated: walking is genuine exercise, packed with physical and mental health benefits. From the bustling sois of Siam Square to the leafy paths of Lumphini Park, Thais of all ages can take heart that their simple neighborhood strolls hold powerful benefits—comparable to more intense workouts—especially when done briskly and regularly. As highlighted by a recent April 2025 CNET article summarizing medical and fitness research, walking is not only exercise, but also an accessible key to a longer, healthier life for everyone, regardless of age, fitness, or background.

Walking is proving to be a powerful, everyday form of exercise for Thai communities. Across Bangkok’s busy streets and tranquil parks, new research confirms that regular, brisk walking boosts physical and mental well-being, often matching more intense workouts in impact. A recent summary of medical and fitness research highlights walking as an accessible route to a longer, healthier life for people of all ages and fitness levels.

Why this matters in Thailand? The country faces rising rates of diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, alongside shifts toward sedentary lifestyles. Walking fits Thai culture perfectly: it’s free, requires no equipment, and easily slots into daily routines. Community groups in parks and temple areas demonstrate walking’s social appeal, making it a practical strategy for a healthier society.

As sunshine returns to Thai neighborhoods and parks, walking steps back into the fitness spotlight with solid science to back it up. Recent health research confirms what trainers and doctors have long said: walking—whether a gentle stroll or brisk pace—counts as real exercise with meaningful benefits for body and mind.

This matters for Thailand. Many Thais juggle long commutes and screen time, and gym access isn’t universal, especially in rural areas or crowded cities. Walking is a democratizing form of exercise: low-cost, adaptable, and suitable for all ages and abilities.

As the sunshine returns to Thai neighbourhoods and parks, the simple act of walking is stepping back into the fitness spotlight – and this time, with robust science to back it up. A wave of new research featured in global health media and the latest scientific reports confirms what personal trainers and doctors have long hinted: walking, whether a gentle stroll or a brisk walk, is real exercise, packed with powerful benefits for both body and mind (CNET).

Hollywood actor Penn Badgley’s recent disclosure about his struggle with body dysmorphia has resonated widely, igniting crucial conversations about mental health, celebrity culture, and the influence of media on self-image both in the West and here in Thailand. In a heartfelt interview with The Guardian, Badgley—best known for his roles in “Gossip Girl” and “You”—shared, “I know that I hated my body and simply wanted a different one…I was jumping wilfully into, but also being thrust into, this world where the more conventionally beautiful I seemed, the more successful I might be, the more value I might have” (The Guardian). His frank admission has sparked international attention, highlighting the often-hidden torment experienced by people living with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and underscoring the urgent need for public awareness and intervention—especially in visually oriented societies.

A new exercise trend has swept the fitness world, one that its inventor insists is “Not Pilates”—yet it draws curious crowds precisely because it blends elements of Pilates and bodybuilding into an intense, science-driven workout. This hybrid phenomenon, known as the Lagree Method, has attracted global attention and continues to expand, with recent features in the Los Angeles Times as well as fitness blogs and scientific reports discussing not only its popularity but also its unique physiological benefits (LA Times, Lagree Academy, Lagree Fit 415). For Thai readers considering current exercise trends or looking for fresh ways to stay healthy, this global movement offers intriguing lessons.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital—recognized across the US for its leadership in pediatric health—has announced a major rebranding and expansion of its high-profile children’s mental health program. The “On Our Sleeves” initiative, which since 2018 has distributed free educational resources to over 15 million Americans, will now move forward as The Kids Mental Health Foundation, signaling a deepened mission to address the growing mental health crisis among youth nationwide (source).

This change comes at a pivotal moment for parents, educators, and health professionals. The US Surgeon General and other health authorities have described children’s mental health as a “national crisis.” In Thailand, as in the US, teachers and families report rising anxieties about the long-term effects of academic stress, social media, and the lingering aftermath of COVID-19 on youth wellbeing—a concern very much echoed in the recent US survey conducted by The Kids Mental Health Foundation, where 70% of nearly 540 parents said they are worried about their children’s mental health, and almost 40% said they are “very concerned” (source).

Thai readers may remember the spectacular social media phenomenon a decade ago, when people across the world — from celebrities to schoolchildren — doused themselves in ice water for the original Ice Bucket Challenge. Launched in 2014, the trend raised over US$220 million globally for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), known in Thai as โรคกล้ามเนื้ออ่อนแรง (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and brought international attention to a previously little-known disease. Now, in 2025, the challenge is back — but with an urgent new purpose: breaking the silence around mental health, especially among young people (NBC News, New York Times).

A deeply personal story recently published in the Daily Mail, titled “I almost ended my life on antidepressants, ditching them saved me,” has struck a chord with readers who are questioning the impact of long-term antidepressant use and the consequences of withdrawal. This article arrives at a time of intensifying scientific scrutiny and public debate, as researchers worldwide uncover mounting evidence that discontinuing antidepressant medications can result in a complex and sometimes debilitating set of symptoms—findings that are directly relevant to an increasing number of Thai people prescribed these medicines for depression and anxiety.

A joint team of Chinese and French researchers has produced an unprecedented map of the claustrum, a brain region long thought to coordinate conscious experience, in the crab-eating macaque. Published in Cell in April 2025, the study delivers a single-cell spatial transcriptome atlas and a whole-brain connectivity map, offering a detailed view of cellular diversity and neural wiring that underpins awareness in primates. The research provides a blueprint of the claustrum and advances our understanding of how consciousness may emerge from brain circuits. This progress resonates with Thailand’s growing interest in neuroscience and mental health.

Flying abroad brings excitement for many Thais, whether for work, study, or leisure. But turbulence can trigger anxiety, leaving passengers gripping armrests and silently wishing for a smoother ride. A recent feature distills expert-backed strategies from flight attendants to help travelers stay calm and informed.

Turbulence is a common in-flight experience, and many passengers catastrophize brief bumps in the sky. For Thai travelers, especially first-timers during a travel rebound after the pandemic, understanding turbulence can lessen fear. Insights from seasoned flight attendants demystify this aviation reality and offer actionable guidance.

Anxiety is rising worldwide, including in Thailand, and a centuries-old nerve is drawing renewed attention as a possible ally: the vagus nerve. Known as the body’s “electrical information superhighway,” the vagus nerve is now under close scientific scrutiny as researchers explore its role in mood, inflammation, and stress responses. But can vagus nerve stimulation really help anxiety, and what should Thai readers know before trying popular methods?

The vagus nerve runs from the brainstem to the heart, lungs, and digestive system. It is a central component of the parasympathetic nervous system, the “rest and digest” system that counteracts the “fight or flight” response. By influencing breathing, heart rate, gut function, and immunity, the vagus nerve links physiology to mood. In Thailand, where mental health awareness is growing, many people are curious about whether stimulating this nerve can offer tangible benefits.

As anxiety rates climb globally and among Thais, a centuries-old body part is generating exciting buzz as a modern remedy: the vagus nerve. Touted as the “electrical information superhighway” of the human body, this nerve’s newfound celebrity isn’t just internet hype—it’s also drawing research attention and scrutiny from leading neuroscientists. But can exercising or stimulating the vagus nerve truly help cure anxiety, and what do Thai readers need to know before embracing the trend?

A recent large-scale study suggests that heavy cannabis use leading to emergency medical care is linked to a higher chance of developing dementia within five years. In Canadians studied, about 5% of those treated in emergency departments for cannabis-related issues were diagnosed with dementia within five years, rising to 19% within ten years. The researchers say the association remains after accounting for overall health and other conditions.

This research arrives as Thailand continues refining its cannabis regulations. After decriminalization, policymakers face questions about how to balance potential medical benefits with public health risks, especially among youth and the elderly. The study’s publication in JAMA Neurology adds a sober perspective to ongoing debates about cannabis in Thai society.

In an era marked by economic volatility, global trade uncertainties, and the unrelenting pressure of leading large organizations, CEOs are reimagining their approaches to stress management—drawing from meditation, nature immersion, and even curated social media use to maintain their well-being. A recent report from Business Insider highlights how prominent executives are using a mix of traditional and modern wellness tactics to thrive under pressure, offering practical insights for leaders and professionals in Thailand who may be experiencing similar workplace stressors (Business Insider, 2025).

In a landmark advance that could reshape how science understands consciousness, a collaboration of Chinese and French researchers has meticulously mapped the claustrum—the brain region often dubbed as a “conductor of consciousness”—in the crab-eating macaque monkey. Reporting their findings in the highly respected journal Cell in April 2025, the team unveiled an unprecedented single-cell spatial transcriptome atlas and a whole-brain connectivity map, shedding new light on the neural diversity and complex wiring that underpins conscious awareness in primates Cell, SCMP. This research not only offers a detailed blueprint of the elusive claustrum, but also marks a major step toward identifying how consciousness itself emerges from brain circuits—a quest with deep philosophical and practical significance for humanity, including Thai society.

A wave of recent research and public discussion is shining new light on how specific childhood experiences, from shared family meals to bedtime story rituals, affect children’s lifelong happiness, resilience, and even physical health. A widely-read article from YourTango, “Your Parents Did A Great Job Raising You If You Have These 11 Childhood Memories” (source), distills the latest scientific findings and expert commentary to highlight which memories signal strong, supportive parenting—and why that matters both for individuals and for Thai families navigating modern pressures today.

Chris Martin, the frontman of Coldplay, has chosen candor over bravado. In a heartfelt video recorded after a recent Hong Kong concert, he speaks openly about his battle with depression and offers routines that help him stay grounded. His honesty is driving an international conversation about mental health and helping to reduce stigma for millions of fans worldwide.

For Thai readers, Martin’s openness resonates deeply. In Thailand, as in many parts of Asia, mental health struggles are often stigmatized. Seeking help for depression or anxiety can be seen as a sign of weakness and may risk social repercussions. Yet global research shows mental health disorders, including depression, are leading causes of disability in Thailand. Data from Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health indicates a substantial number of Thais live with diagnosed depressive disorders, though under-reporting means the true figure is higher. Public figures speaking openly about mental health can normalize the conversation and encourage help-seeking, according to a Bangkok-based psychologist who notes that celebrity disclosures can reduce shame and increase support-seeking.

Amid flashing lights and roaring stadiums, Chris Martin—frontman of world-renowned band Coldplay—has chosen vulnerability over bravado. In a heartfelt Instagram video recorded after Coldplay’s recent concert in Hong Kong, Martin openly discussed his personal battle with depression, offering advice and resources to his millions of fans. “I’ve noticed that some people lately, including myself, are struggling a little bit with depression,” he shared, before detailing routines and strategies that have helped him navigate these difficult emotions. The British singer’s honesty has sparked an international conversation on the lived realities of mental illness, further destigmatizing a topic that affects millions yet is still often shrouded in shame and silence.

A surge of online gambling is capturing the attention of educators and parents as Thai high school students increasingly encounter virtual poker, casino apps, and other digital betting platforms. While global data show rising adolescent gambling, Thailand faces unique challenges as mobile access, social media, and informal networks blend with everyday life. Research from leading medical and public health institutions indicates that teens who start gambling early are more prone to long-term issues, underscoring the need for proactive awareness and intervention.