#Mentalhealth

New insights reveal that girls face a pervasive mental health crisis as much as boys, challenging the notion that boys’ struggles alone drive the conversation. Health experts warn that framing this as a gender competition harms both sides and distracts from root causes. The Children’s Commissioner for England cautions against pitting genders against each other, urging a more nuanced understanding that benefits all young people.

While discussions on gender gaps in education often highlight girls’ apparent academic edge, the impact on well-being is less visible. Earnings research shows men may accumulate higher lifetime earnings despite early career challenges, largely due to parenthood’s effects on women. This underscores persistent biases that shape outcomes well into adulthood and highlights the need for policy that supports all families.

In today’s uncertain economy, trade tensions and volatile markets are a global reality that also touches Thailand. A recent New York Times piece highlights practical ways to cope with financial stress and safeguard well-being when economic shifts hit close to home. As global markets influence personal finances, learning how to stay mentally sharp and financially secure is more important than ever for Thai families.

Financial stress grows when markets swing and policies change. Researchers link sustained anxiety to health risks such as depression and cardiovascular strain. A respected financial psychologist notes that fears tied to the post-pandemic period continue to shape how people manage money, making prudent planning essential.

Communal narcissism is a subtle form of self-interest dressed as selfless community work. In this pattern, individuals appear deeply involved in volunteer efforts and charitable causes, yet their main aim is to gain attention and admiration as the community’s “pillar.”

Experts describe communal narcissism as a subtype where genuine empathy is lacking. The motivation centers on public validation and the esteem that comes with portraying oneself as exceptionally caring and moral. This concept builds on the work of social psychologist Jochen Gebauer and is further explored by researchers who note its less overt, yet still self-promoting, nature.

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.

In today’s fast-paced world, stress feels almost inescapable. With global upheavals, economic shifts, and nonstop social media updates, a new analysis shows that stress can spread from person to person. Recognizing and managing this “stress contagion” is essential for maintaining mental wellness.

Research highlights how emotions travel within groups, much like a virus. The influence of social media magnifies stressors, making shared worries feel increasingly pervasive. A scholar from a North American university notes that humans are highly social and often mirror others’ stress through the exchange of concerning news and events.

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.

Stress has become a daily challenge in today’s fast-paced world. Recent global trends show anxiety levels rising in 2025, with economic and weather-related disruptions feeding public worry. A survey by a major mental health platform reported that many workers feel unsettled by ongoing political and international developments. Medical professionals note that patients describe a time of heightened stress and uncertainty.

In the economic realm, policy changes and trade actions add to pressure, signaling potential price changes and job insecurity. Financial commentators urge calm and steady decision-making, echoing the wisdom of staying composed in the face of uncertainty.

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.

A new bill in the Minnesota Senate aims to address the mental health crisis within the construction sector by proposing a $1 million allocation to support mental health programs over the next two years. The move reflects rising recognition that construction workers face higher rates of mental health issues and suicide compared with the general population.

Democratic Senator Judy Seeberger of Afton champions the measure, citing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data that show construction workers experience mental health concerns above the national average, with suicide rates reportedly three times higher than the general population. The bill seeks targeted interventions for workers in one of the most physically demanding and psychologically stressful industries.

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.

New research suggests that probiotics may help reduce negative moods, offering potential mental health benefits beyond gut health. The study, led by researchers including Katerina Johnson and Laura Steenbergen and published in npj Mental Health Research, tracked daily mood reports to assess how probiotics affect emotions. This approach provides a clearer picture than past studies that relied mostly on traditional questionnaires.

In a notable finding, probiotic use appeared to selectively lessen negative mood without dampening positive feelings. This contrasts with some antidepressants, which can blunt both positive and negative emotions. While intriguing, researchers emphasize that probiotics are not a replacement for prescribed medications or professional care.

A recent study from Leiden University researchers suggests probiotics may help reduce negative emotions, opening doors for new mental health approaches. Published in npj Mental Health Research, the work examines how “good” bacteria interact with the gut-brain axis to influence mood.

Probiotics are commonly found in yogurt, fermented foods, and dietary supplements. While they are celebrated for supporting gut health, the new findings indicate potential benefits for emotional well-being. The study explains gut-brain communication through the vagus nerve, immune signals, and hormonal pathways, showing how intestinal bacteria can shape feelings and behavior.

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.

Stress from jammed schedules is a mounting concern in today’s busy world. A New York Times piece by Jancee Dunn highlights practical ways to ease time anxiety, a struggle many feel. A Pew Research Center survey shows 60% of people sometimes feel overwhelmed by their schedules. The ideas, backed by experts, offer a path to reclaim control over time and lower stress.

New research points to time anxiety arising from self-imposed deadlines and urgency driven by others. The author notes strategies that can help, such as planning to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Though it sounds small, this habit can significantly reduce stress because it prevents last‑minute scrambles. Many hesitate, fearing extra free time, but studies show tasks often take longer than expected, making delays more likely when we rush.

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.

A thorough investigation by the Chicago Sun-Times highlights how gaps in mental health services can have tragic consequences. The report focuses on long-standing, untreated mental illness and its possible link to violent incidents in downtown Chicago, illustrating the pressures faced by crisis response systems. Led by seasoned journalists Stephanie Zimmermann and Frank Main, the piece questions how well support networks protect individuals in crisis and keep communities safe.

The findings resonate beyond one city. Urban centers worldwide face similar challenges, including Bangkok, as governments strive to balance public safety with accessible, timely mental health care. The investigation provides vivid case accounts that illuminate where the system fell short and why stronger, more proactive intervention is needed for those at greatest risk.

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.

New insights highlight how what we eat can influence anxiety, a mental health issue affecting about 20% of adults worldwide and noticed in Thailand as well. Dietitians say food choices can complement mental health strategies, even though they aren’t a sole treatment. Among snack ideas, Apple & Peanut Butter Energy Balls stand out for late-night cravings and potential calming effects.

Experts emphasize that nutrient selection matters for anxiety. Omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and probiotics, along with higher fruit and vegetable intake, are linked with lower anxiety levels. In contrast, high added sugar can raise risk. The energy balls thus offer more than a tasty bite; they align with evidence suggesting dietary choices can support mood and stress management.

A rising sleep technique called cognitive shuffling may offer a calm path out of sleepless nights for busy urban residents in Thailand. The method aims to quiet racing thoughts and help people drift into solid rest more quickly.

Cognitive shuffling was developed by Dr. Luc Beaudoin and has re-emerged as a practical approach to better sleep. Rooted in research around how the brain processes visual motion, Beaudoin wondered if sleep onset could be nudged by guiding the mind through controlled, random thoughts. The approach formally appeared in 2009 to help those with insomnia, a challenge familiar to many people around the world, including those in Thailand.

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.

New research from MIT and Harvard Medical School shows that cytokines—immune molecules that battle infections—also influence brain function and behavior. The findings suggest that illness can alter mood and social interactions not only through fatigue but via direct immune-brain connections. This could help explain aspects of conditions such as autism and depression.

Among the cytokines studied, IL-17 appears to have region-specific effects in the brain. In the amygdala, IL-17 heightens anxiety, while in the somatosensory cortex it seems to increase sociability. The results highlight a complex dialogue between the immune system and neural circuits, pointing to new avenues for understanding how immune activity shapes behavior during illness.

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.