#Mentalhealth

Stress in 2025 has surged in the United States—and the ripple effects are felt worldwide. A March study found that about three-quarters of employed Americans felt demoralized by the political and economic climate. A Bangkok-based clinician noted that many patients describe stress levels unseen in previous years, highlighting a global mental health challenge.

Global market jitters also influenced confidence. News of new tariffs sparked concerns about higher prices for everyday goods, potential layoffs, and a looming recession. Financial voices advise staying composed, reminding the public that steady decisions help weather volatility.

Across households in Thailand, screens are now a constant companion for teenagers. A new study indicates a notable link between longer screen time and depressive symptoms among teen girls, prompting urgent questions for Thai families, educators, and policymakers. The research, highlighted by a senior health researcher, underscores the need for practical actions to safeguard youth well-being in a highly connected era.

While this trend is global, its impact varies by culture and region. In Thailand, high smartphone usage and widespread social media use among teens amplify both opportunities and risks. The findings offer timely guidance for parents and schools seeking balanced digital living that supports mental health and daily functioning.

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.

A new study from researchers at MIT and Harvard Medical School reveals that the immune molecule IL-17 can influence social behavior and anxiety by acting directly on specific brain regions. The research shows IL-17 has a dual role: it enhances sociability by dampening neuron activity in the cortex, while it increases anxiety by heightening excitability in the amygdala. In effect, IL-17 appears to function as a neuromodulator, linking immune system activity with how we feel and behave. This insight could inform future approaches to conditions such as autism and depression, according to the study’s findings and interpretations from leading neuroscience outlets.

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.

In a world filled with daily pressures, micro-meditations are gaining traction as quick, practical stress relief. Recent discussions and expert opinions highlight how tiny, focused moments can calm the mind without demanding much time. A March study noted rising anxiety as people face economic uncertainties and extreme weather, prompting more individuals to seek fast, accessible ways to feel grounded. Dr. Esther Sternberg, a noted physician and author, explains that micro-meditations can be done anywhere and require only brief periods, offering near-immediate relief.

New research suggests that zoning out during dull tasks is not laziness but a hidden brain strength. The study indicates that mind-wandering may trigger a brief, sleep-like rest that can boost cognitive function and learning.

Most people have experienced daydreaming during a boring lecture or repetitive chores. Far from being a waste of time, researchers say these moments may activate brain processes that resemble stages of sleep, especially slow-wave patterns tied to rest and memory consolidation. In effect, the mind may be taking calculated, mini-breaks while awake to recalibrate itself.

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).

A new study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, published in PLOS Global Public Health, highlights how heavy screen use can disrupt sleep and elevate depression risk among teenagers. The findings call for urgent action from parents, teachers, and policymakers in Thailand to protect youth well-being in a tech-centric world.

The research followed more than 4,800 adolescents aged 12 to 16 for a year, examining screen time, sleep patterns, and mental health symptoms. It found that excessive screen exposure worsens both sleep quality and duration, which in turn increases depression risk. The effect was particularly pronounced among girls, with sleep disruption acting as a key mediator between screen use and mood issues. For boys, the link between screen time and depression appeared more direct.

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.

A traditional herb known as Bhulan Bel, scientifically related to Cuscuta and commonly called dodder, is drawing renewed global interest for potential stress relief, anxiety reduction, and mental clarity. Contemporary research and a revived interest in Ayurveda’s history are pushing Bhulan Bel into the spotlight for wellness and scientific exploration alike.

Bhulan Bel stands out for its use as a parasitic plant in ancient medicine to calm the nervous system. Proponents suggest its soothing compounds may offer a natural alternative to some pharmaceutical approaches, helping ease tension and reduce anxiety without the heavier side effects often associated with synthetic drugs. This aligns with a growing demand for holistic strategies to support mental well-being in a fast-paced world.

In a significant advancement for neuroscience, researchers have unveiled new insights into how the human brain creates and retrieves memories. The research, led by Dr. Tomás Ryan at Trinity College Dublin, highlights the pivotal role of “engram cells”—a group of neurons that capture and store experiences through their connections. This discovery represents a paradigm shift from traditional views that memories reside within individual neurons. Instead, the focus is now on the dynamic and structural connections between these neurons, potentially transforming how we understand memory processing.

A vital mental health program in Massachusetts that supports children and teens with severe mental health issues could be shut down due to budget constraints. Governor Maura Healey’s budget proposal includes significant cuts, stirring concern among families, clinicians, and community organizations about the impact on vulnerable youth.

The Intensive Residential Treatment Program, which provides long-term care across 72 beds for young children and adolescents, aims to heal families as a unit. A mother whose child benefited from the program shared that it helped save her child’s life. Her child, now 25, faced suicidality, self-harm, and trauma before joining the program, where sustained support and family involvement helped stabilize their recovery. She noted that in-patient hospital stays offered only short-term stabilization, whereas the program’s extended care was crucial for lasting improvement.

A new wave of research from MIT and Harvard shows that immune molecules, specifically cytokines, influence the brain as well as defending the body against infection. Infections trigger cytokine responses, but these molecules can also affect emotions like anxiety and sociability. The findings open pathways for treating neurological conditions such as autism and depression, with potential relevance for Thai patients and caregivers.

Cytokines such as Interleukin-17 (IL-17) drive inflammation and coordinate immune cells. Earlier work noted IL-17’s ability to lessen autism-like symptoms during fever, prompting deeper questions about its brain actions. In studies led by researchers including Gloria Choi of MIT and Jun Huh of Harvard, IL-17’s effects were mapped to brain regions controlling fear and social behavior. Published in Cell, the research shows IL-17 can heighten anxiety in the amygdala while promoting sociability in the cortex, depending on the receptor pair it engages.

Recent research findings suggest a connection between parental education levels and increased stress among children, particularly as they enter college. This investigation, conducted by researchers in Germany and Switzerland, emphasizes an emerging trend where children of highly educated parents experience higher stress levels, notably when transitioning to higher education source.

Understanding why this connection might matter to Thai readers requires considering both global trends and local contexts. Many Thai families, particularly in urban areas, highly prioritize education, often equating academic success with future prosperity and stability. As such, the pressure to perform and succeed academically is not only a personal or familial expectation but a societal one that resonates within Thailand. This reflects broader international findings where heightened parental expectations can inadvertently contribute to youth stress.

Recent groundbreaking research from MIT and Harvard University reveals a fascinating intersection between the immune and nervous systems that may redefine our understanding of illness and behavior. Immune molecules, known as cytokines, have long been recognized for their role in fighting infections; however, these studies unveiled their significant impact on the brain, influencing emotions such as anxiety and sociability. This new insight could have profound implications for treating a range of neurological conditions, including autism and depression.

A major advance in neuroscience reveals how the brain creates and recalls memories. Led by researchers at Trinity College Dublin, the study emphasizes engram cells—neural groups that capture experiences through their connections. This shifts the view from memories residing in a single neuron to a dynamic network of interactions, offering new ways to understand memory processing.

For Thai audiences, the findings are timely. As Thailand faces aging populations and ongoing education reforms, understanding memory storage could inform treatments for age-related cognitive decline and memory disorders. The research aligns with global progress while suggesting practical implications for Thai health and learning.

A recent open letter addressed to University of Ghana professor Ransford Gyampo has sparked discussions on the importance of language in the context of mental health. The letter, written by Nana Yaw Osei, Ph.D., criticizes the use of the term “mad” to describe individuals with serious mental illnesses (SMI). This critique highlights a broader need to address how mental health is perceived and discussed both publicly and in academia.

In the letter, Dr. Osei argues that terms like “mad” are not only derogatory but also epistemologically naïve and professionally offensive. The commentary reflects a growing awareness that language shapes public perception and stigma around mental health. In this context, it’s important to use terminology that respects the dignity of individuals living with mental health conditions. The United States Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines SMI as a diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder that significantly interferes with an individual’s life.

A recent open letter to University of Ghana professor Ransford Gyampo has sparked global debates about how language shapes perceptions of mental health. Written by Nana Yaw Osei, Ph.D., the letter criticizes the use of the term “mad” to describe people with serious mental illnesses. This critique underscores a broader push to talk about mental health with dignity and accuracy in both public life and academic settings.

Dr. Osei argues that words like “mad” are not only insulting but also intellectually naïve and professionally inappropriate. The discussion reflects a growing consensus that language influences public attitudes and stigma toward mental health. In Thailand, as in many countries, careful terminology is essential to preserve the dignity of individuals living with mental health conditions.

New findings suggest that higher parental education may be linked to greater stress in children, especially as they enter college. The research, conducted by scientists in Europe, notes a growing pattern where children of well-educated parents report more stress around the transition to higher education. The study emphasizes how family expectations can shape young people’s mental health during this pivotal period.

In Thailand, education is deeply tied to social expectations and family pride. Urban Thai families often view academic success as a path to stability and opportunity, which can translate into strong parental pressure. This cultural context helps explain why similar global patterns may resonate locally: high expectations can inadvertently contribute to youth stress.

A major international analysis published in The Lancet Psychiatry finds that ADHD medications generally cause only minor cardiovascular effects, mainly small increases in heart rate and blood pressure. The study, led by researchers from the University of Southampton, reviewed data from 102 clinical trials involving more than 22,700 participants worldwide. It compared stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD treatments, concluding that while small heart-related changes occur, the overall benefits of these medicines often surpass the risks.

A comprehensive new analysis, published in The Lancet Psychiatry, underscores that medications prescribed for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) generally induce minor impacts on cardiovascular health, mostly characterized by slight elevations in heart rate and blood pressure. Conducted by an international team led by the University of Southampton, this large study evaluated data from 102 clinical trials involving over 22,702 participants globally, comparing both stimulant and non-stimulant medications used to treat ADHD. The news from this research provides a balanced view, suggesting that while there are small cardiovascular effects, the broader benefits of these medications often outweigh such risks.