#Mentalhealth

The global women’s health market is accelerating rapidly. A recent BDA Partners analysis shows the sector could grow from about US$250–300 billion in 2023 to around US$500 billion by 2030, a healthy 10% average annual increase. This expansion reflects broader investment in women’s health beyond IVF, spanning heart health, osteoporosis, endocrine disorders, and mental well-being. In Thailand, this shift offers a path to better health equity and access for women nationwide, backed by policy and private investment.

A quiet transformation is reshaping gym floors across Thailand’s cities. Women are flocking to squat racks and barbells, changing not only who uses strength equipment but how fitness spaces are organized. Across major gyms, cardio zones are giving way to weightlifting platforms and strength stations as a global shift toward heavier lifting gains momentum in Bangkok and beyond.

For Thai women, cultural norms once discouraged visible muscle gain. Today, researchers and global fitness trends are redefining what a strong, healthy female body looks like. The shift reflects priorities beyond calorie burn: long-term health, mental well-being, and empowerment are driving new training choices.

A global fitness trend is gaining momentum, marketed as “Not Pilates” yet drawing on the best of both Pilates and bodybuilding. The Lagree Method uses powerful, slow-tempo movements on large Megaformers to deliver a full-body workout that is intense, science-driven, and surprisingly accessible. In Thailand, fitness clubs and studios are taking note as health-conscious audiences seek efficient, low-impact options that still burn calories and build strength.

The movement began with Sebastien Lagree, a Paris-born fitness entrepreneur who relocated to Los Angeles. He noticed clients craved more cardio and challenge than traditional Pilates offered. Combining Pilates-inspired resistance with free weights and multi-joint movements, he developed workouts in his living room before opening a studio. The core equipment soon evolved into the Megaformer, a sturdy, 400-pound machine designed for sustained muscle engagement and high-intensity training.

New research underscores what many Thai families have long believed: warm, affectionate caregiving from mothers supports a child’s emotional health and future success. A synthesis of recent studies shows that high maternal affection—through hugs, listening, and emotional support—helps children become more resilient, socially adept, and better equipped to handle stress as adults.

In Thailand’s fast-changing society, these findings offer timely guidance for parents balancing tradition with modern life. Longitudinal studies indicate that children who receive sustained maternal warmth from birth to age three tend to report lower anxiety and depression in adolescence and adulthood. One landmark study tracked more than 480 individuals for over three decades, revealing that early attention and affection at eight months predicted stronger emotional health at age 34. The evidence points to a robust link between early nurture and later well-being.

A quiet revolution is taking place on gym floors around the world, and it is increasingly visible in Thailand’s major cities: women are flocking to squat racks and barbells, reshaping not only the demographics of strength training but the very layout of fitness centers. As reported in Bloomberg, traditional cardio-heavy gyms from New York to Bangkok are swapping out rows of treadmills for weightlifting platforms and strength machines, in response to a major cultural shift—women are now lifting heavier and training harder than ever before, prompting an industry-wide rethink of gym design and fitness programming (Bloomberg).

A rising number of families feel overwhelmed by the search for the most suitable therapist for their children, especially when ADHD-related behaviors create urgent stress at home. This was the focus of a recent episode on Slate’s Care and Feeding podcast, where a mother described the draining cycle of trial after trial in search of support for her daughter. The episode underscores a broader trend now gaining attention in research and news: therapy shopping—the demanding, time-consuming hunt for effective mental health care.

The Trump administration’s sweeping move to eliminate the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has sent shockwaves through the global mental health community, raising urgent questions on how political decisions at the heart of developed nations reverberate as far as Thailand and the rest of Southeast Asia. As documented in a sobering opinion piece by Paolo del Vecchio—a mental health advocate and former senior leader at SAMHSA—this U.S. policy shift comes at a precarious time, where suicide is the second leading cause of death among young Americans, substance use deaths top 200,000 annually, and the economic burden of untreated mental illness exceeds $700 billion each year STAT News.

The vagus nerve, often dubbed the body’s “electrical information superhighway,” is gaining growing attention as a novel pathway to reducing anxiety—with both ancient practices and high-tech solutions vying for public interest. From deep breathing and Mediterranean diets to wearable devices, the quest to “exercise” the vagus nerve and calm the mind has surged in popularity, stirring debate among clinicians and wellness influencers alike. This new wave arrives in an era where anxiety ranks among the most common mental health challenges globally and in Thailand, as modern life accelerates and traditional coping methods are increasingly supplemented by science-backed therapies and wellness trends.

Anxiety remains one of the world’s top mental health challenges, and Thai communities are seeking accessible ways to cope. The vagus nerve—often called the body’s information superhighway—has attracted renewed interest as a potential route to calmer mood and better resilience. From simple breathwork to new wearables, people are exploring how to “exercise” the vagus nerve. Experts caution that while promise exists, robust scientific proof is still developing.

The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve, extending from the brain to the heart, lungs, and digestive system. It plays a central role in the parasympathetic system, guiding rest, digestion, and mood regulation. For decades, researchers focused mainly on anatomy, but recent advances are shining light on how stimulating this nerve could influence health. According to a senior neurosurgeon, the nerve’s complex wiring—comprising two major bundles with around 200,000 fibers—means scientists are just beginning to understand precise health impacts. Research is ongoing, and findings vary by individual.

As the hot season in Thailand ushers in brighter mornings, many Thais might wonder whether a simple stroll through Lumpini Park or their local soi really counts as exercise. According to the latest research and guidance from fitness experts, not only does walking qualify as real exercise, but this humble activity brings a surprising range of physical and mental health benefits—prompting experts here and abroad to call on more Thais to make regular walking part of daily life (CNET).

As the sun returns and Thais across the country take to parks and neighborhood sois for their daily walks, recent research and expert opinion reinforce a simple but powerful health message: walking—whether a slow saunter or a brisk “hot girl walk” trend—offers significant, wide-ranging health benefits. Contrary to some online debates, fitness trainers and scientific studies now agree: walking absolutely counts as exercise, with the latest data showing it can reduce your risk for heart abnormalities, diabetes, cancer, and even dementia, among other chronic diseases (CNET). For Thai readers living in urban environments or rural towns alike, this news spotlights an accessible path to better health that doesn’t require expensive gym memberships or elaborate equipment—just a sturdy pair of shoes and a willingness to take the first step.

A growing number of parents are finding themselves overwhelmed and exhausted by the search for the “right” therapist for their children—especially for conditions like ADHD, where behavioral outbursts can create urgent family stress. This was the central story in a recent episode of Slate’s “Care and Feeding” parenting podcast, where hosts responded to a mother tired by seemingly endless therapy trials and the ongoing struggle to find support for her daughter’s behavioral needs. Her dilemma reflects a wider phenomenon now drawing attention in new research and news: ‘therapy shopping’—the often stressful, confusing, and time-consuming search for effective mental health care—is exacting a heavy toll on families everywhere (Slate Podcast).

A growing chorus of parents and psychologists believe it is better for children to face manageable risks than to be raised in overly sheltered environments—a provocative idea that is gaining traction worldwide, including in Thailand. A recent feature from Upworthy, which sparked widespread conversation, gathered insights from parents who argue that modern tendencies to overprotect children may actually hinder their emotional, social, and intellectual maturity. This approach runs counter to traditional Thai values of overprotection, prompting a re-examination of how best to prepare Thai youth for an increasingly unpredictable world (source).

A recent advice column caught the internet’s attention: a six-year-old boy has repeatedly punched classmates, leaving bruises, and his parents have dismissed this behavior as inconsequential. This scenario, while alarming, puts a spotlight on a challenge familiar to many families and educators in Thailand—how should parents and schools respond when a child’s aggression escalates beyond normal childhood roughhousing? Research over the past year offers new insight, emphasizing that how parents react can deeply shape a child’s future social and emotional development.

A recent personal story published by The Telegraph, titled “I was raised by an abusive mother. This is what I want people to know,” has once again brought to light the often-overlooked issue of maternal abuse and its profound, long-term effects on children. While parental abuse is commonly associated with fathers, stories and research are revealing that mothers, too, can be perpetrators, challenging both societal stereotypes and deeply held cultural assumptions. As this subject gains traction in Western media, there is growing recognition of its prevalence and implications for families around the world, including here in Thailand, where filial piety and family honor are especially significant.

Recent revelations from global educational research, including findings highlighted by the Times of India in their coverage on “10 morning habits that encourage children to go to school,” underscore the significance of cultivating consistent, supportive morning routines for school-aged children. With absenteeism and school refusal a growing concern for Thai families and educators, especially in the evolving landscape after COVID-19 disruptions, this research offers valuable, evidence-backed insights tailored for both urban and upcountry Thai lifestyles source.

A new article making waves online explores 11 subtle yet powerful indicators that a person was raised by a “high-quality parent”—those whose approach to parenting promotes not only emotional intelligence and confidence, but also an enduring sense of self-worth and resilience as children grow into adulthood. Drawing upon recent psychological research, the piece offers insights for Thai readers keen to reflect on their family experiences, or seeking to nurture similar strengths in the next generation (YourTango).

A rising article highlights 11 subtle indicators of “high-quality parenting”—an approach that fosters emotional intelligence, confidence, and lasting resilience as children grow into adults. Grounded in recent psychology, the piece offers insights for Thai readers eager to reflect on family experiences or nurture similar strengths in the next generation.

In Thailand, academic pressures and social expectations can overshadow softer traits of upbringing. Yet many families still value ความเคารพ (respect) and กตัญญู (filial piety). There is growing recognition that warmth, open dialogue, and emotional development are essential for long-term success, supported by recent psychological work conducted worldwide and echoed in Thailand’s evolving family conversations.

Rejection can sting for anyone, but some people react as if every slight is deadly. This phenomenon, known as rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD), has gained prominence through social media, evolving research, and personal accounts. A recent feature in a leading international publication uses real stories, clinical insight, and emerging science to explore a condition not yet common in medical textbooks but increasingly discussed by mental health professionals worldwide, including among Thai youths.

A powerful personal account recently highlighted in The Telegraph sheds light on maternal abuse and the lasting harm it inflicts on children. While society often assumes fathers are the primary perpetrators, growing research and stories from survivors show that mothers can also be abusive. For Thai readers, this discussion intersects with local values around filial piety, family privacy, and social harmony, prompting a need for compassionate, informed conversation.

The story centers on a survivor who describes growing up under an emotionally and physically abusive mother. Beyond a personal tale, it challenges stigma and taboo surrounding maternal abuse. Many who have experienced similar family dynamics may feel seen for the first time, while others gain insight into this complex issue. In Thai culture, where motherhood is traditionally revered as nurturing, acknowledging abuse by a mother can be especially hard. Yet experts emphasize that abuse can occur in any family structure, regardless of outward appearances or social expectations. Data from international and regional research indicates that maternal abuse is more common than many assume and has serious consequences for child development.

Rising absenteeism and school reluctance are concerns for Thai families and educators as post-pandemic routines settle in. New global research on morning habits shows how simple, supportive routines can boost attendance and set children up for success. Insights from educational studies emphasize consistency, a calm start, and engaging family interactions to help children feel ready for the school day.

In Thailand, mornings in busy cities like Bangkok and in rural towns alike pose daily challenges for families trying to get children to school on time. A steady routine not only improves academic performance but also supports long-term well-being, self-esteem, and social skills. Data from reputable educational research indicates that regular attendance correlates with higher achievement, stronger self-confidence, and better peer interaction, which aligns with Thailand’s goals for Education 4.0.

Secondary infertility—difficulty conceiving after having a first child—is rising globally and now concerns Thai families as well. New studies and human-interest accounts show an increase in cases and the often-overlooked emotional burden on parents, shaped by shifting demographics and social expectations in Thailand.

The narrative is underscored by a poignant case in which a mother describes profound guilt for not providing a second child for her son. In Thai communities, this pressure is magnified by the belief in the importance of sibling support and family completeness, a cultural cue that can intensify distress when pregnancy planning goes awry.

For many Thais, rejection—whether from friends, family, or colleagues—can feel like a sting, but for some, even the smallest slight feels devastating. This overwhelming emotional reaction, described as “rejection sensitive dysphoria” (RSD), is gaining attention thanks to social media, research, and a wave of first-person accounts. The latest article from The New York Times draws on real-life stories, clinical insight, and emerging science to examine a phenomenon seldom found in medical textbooks but increasingly recognized in the mental health community, including among younger generations in Thailand and worldwide (source: The New York Times).

Secondary infertility, a condition where couples struggle to conceive after successfully having had at least one child, is becoming an increasing concern among families worldwide, including here in Thailand. Recent reports and new research highlight not only a steady rise in cases but also the typically overlooked emotional turmoil experienced by affected parents—an issue that has resonated with many Thai families amid shifting demographics and social expectations.

The significance of this trend is well-captured by the candid story of Charlotte Bennett, as reported in The Times. Bennett, already a mother, described the “horrendous” guilt of being unable to give her six-year-old son a sibling, despite years of effort. For many parents, secondary infertility brings an unexpected and deeply personal form of distress, often complicated by cultural expectations and misconceptions that once a couple has had one child, further pregnancies should be easy and natural (The Times).