#Mentalhealth

A new wave of mental health awareness is spotlighting a phenomenon some describe as “depression attacks” — sudden surges of despair and emotional paralysis. While anxiety often dominates headlines, experts say these episodes are a distinct and impactful experience. A clinical psychologist notes that depression attacks require immediate awareness and support, even though they are not a formal diagnosis like major depressive disorder.

In Thailand, conversations about mental health are shaped by cultural norms and socioeconomic realities. Recognizing depression attacks can empower individuals to seek help and discuss wellbeing openly. While not clinically diagnosed, these episodes typically present as sharp bursts of intense sadness and helplessness, according to mental health professionals. A licensed counselor adds that the onset can be abrupt, yet underlying symptoms are often amplified by stress.

A shift in the wellness scene is underway as neurotechnology brings brain health into the mainstream of travel. Rapid scientific advances now pair neuroscience with innovative tech to offer cognitive enhancement and mental well-being options. Thai travelers, already familiar with health-focused retreats, now have an expanded landscape to explore.

Neurotechnology includes techniques designed to map and improve brain function. Neurofeedback and non-invasive methods like transcranial magnetic stimulation are leading the way, opening new avenues for managing conditions such as ADHD and depression. These tools are reshaping how many people view the brain’s role in overall health.

Social moments can feel overwhelming for those with social anxiety. New research shows that time perception shifts with age: children often experience time as more eventful, while adults may feel quiet moments stretch longer. This nuance matters because it shapes how we experience conversations, nerves, and crowding in social settings. For Thai readers, time perception intersects with mindfulness traditions and the importance placed on harmonious social life.

Research indicates that our brains process social cues more quickly as we age, yet how we experience time depends on whether we are fully present or dwelling on what comes next. The tension between being in the moment and anticipating the future plays a key role in social anxiety. Thai culture’s emphasis on calm, respectful communication aligns with modern mindfulness practices that encourage listening, presence, and genuine connection in real time.

A recent case in the United States has sharpened global calls for timely, evidence-based mental health care, especially for people experiencing psychosis. An 18-year-old with schizophrenia died after prolonged agitation during a psychotic episode, allegedly following restraint by relatives. The incident underscores the potential danger when mental illness is not understood or promptly managed, and it has led to involuntary manslaughter charges for the individuals involved.

Psychosis involves a break from reality and can worsen without quick, appropriate treatment. Advocates note gaps in mental health education and access contribute to delays in care. The longer psychosis lasts, the more challenging recovery can become.

Spikenard, known scientifically as Nardostachys grandiflora DC. and sometimes labeled Nardostachys jatamansi, sits at the crossroads of traditional healing and contemporary science. In Thai traditional medicine and global pharmacopoeias, this aromatic herb has long been linked to calming, balancing the body, and supporting recovery. Its story blends ritual use with ongoing efforts to understand nature’s remedies in today’s world.

From the Himalayas of Nepal, Bhutan, India, and Tibet to Thai clinics and holistic practices, spikenard has traveled far. In Thailand it is called โกฐชฎามังสี or โกฐจุฬารส. Trade over centuries helped it become a staple in Thai herbal formulas such as Pikad Kot blends used for fevers, detoxification, and purification. Its fragrance once scented robes and temples, and it now informs both spiritual and medical practices. Data from Thai pharmacopoeia and traditional texts frame its role in cooling and harmonizing the body during illness.

Long revered in sacred temples and in homes across Asia, the herbal medicine known as โกฐชฎามังสี, or “spikenard,” continues to spark curiosity among both traditional healers and modern scientists. Known scientifically as Nardostachys grandiflora DC. and often referred to by its synonym Nardostachys jatamansi, spikenard stands at the intersection of centuries-old wisdom and contemporary pharmacological research. Buried deep within Thai traditional medicine and world pharmacopoeias, its story is one of healing, ritual, and the ever-evolving quest to understand nature’s remedies in today’s world.

A notable shift is underway as mental health therapy gains broader acceptance across generations. This evolving openness signals a major transformation for the field, with implications for therapists and clients in Thailand as society confronts cultural and generational nuances surrounding mental well-being.

Therapists describe their work as deeply rewarding, observing tangible changes in clients through therapy. In Thailand, where mental health historically faced stigma, younger generations—especially Millennials and Gen Z—are increasingly willing to seek help. This openness creates opportunities for more accessible care but also challenges therapists to tailor approaches that respect local beliefs, religious practices, and family dynamics.

A recent study from Penn State reveals how PTSD symptoms influence the way couples talk to each other, driven by a fear of intense emotions. The findings show that individuals with PTSD often dread strong feelings, which can lead to more conflict and less constructive dialogue. For Thai readers, the research underscores how trauma and interpersonal dynamics intersect within intimate relationships in a culture that places high value on harmony and family cohesion.

A new perspective from neuropsychiatrist Dr. Alastair Santhouse challenges readers to consider whether mental health awareness is veering into over-diagnosis. In his book No More Normal: Mental Health in an Age of Overdiagnosis, he argues that while raising awareness is vital, it may also prompt more people to identify with symptoms that do not meet clinical criteria. For Thai audiences, this global discussion has meaningful local implications for how mental health is understood and treated.

A global study by AXA and IPSOS across 16 countries, including Thailand, reveals mounting stress, anxiety, and burnout among workers aged 18 to 75. The research highlights key drivers of deteriorating mental health and underscores the urgent need for action by employers, policymakers, and society at large in Thailand.

The study spans nations such as China, France, Turkey, and Thailand, and finds a consistent downturn in workforce mental health. In Thailand, as elsewhere, financial instability and job insecurity amplify psychological strain, while persistent exposure to negative media compounds the pressure. Across the sample, about one in three individuals reported depression or anxiety, a level that resonates with Thai readers who are increasingly open to discussing mental health within communities.

A new crisis care model in Utah could reshape how mental health emergencies are handled in Thailand. The opening of the Kem and Carolyn Gardner Crisis Care Center marks a shift toward specialized, walk-in mental health services that avoid the stigma and delays common in traditional emergency rooms. According to Dr. Bob Carter, CEO of University Health, this center is among the first to provide immediate care without requiring a hospital admission, offering a compassionate alternative to generic ER care.

A major scientific advance maps how mitochondria—the brain’s energy producers—are distributed across the human brain. Researchers have created MitoBrainMap, a detailed tool showing how energy is allocated in different brain regions. Findings point to new directions for understanding neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric conditions and for developing innovative treatments.

For Thai readers, the study highlights the link between brain energy management, mood, memory, and overall cognition. With rising mental health concerns in Thailand—especially among younger people—these insights could guide interventions and support strategies that reflect local bioenergetic patterns.

Obessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) remains misunderstood in many communities, but public figures are helping to shift the narrative. Celebrities such as Camila Cabello, Will Poulter, and Amanda Seyfried have opened up about living with OCD, highlighting its complexity beyond stereotypes. Their stories resonate with fans and offer timely insight for Thai audiences grappling with mental health awareness in a society where openness is gradually growing.

In Thailand, mental health topics can still be stigmatized, with many people hesitant to seek help. When well-known figures share their experiences, it can normalize conditions like OCD and encourage timely treatment. Cabello spoke about intrusive thoughts and the compulsion to recheck and repeat certain thoughts due to fear of negative outcomes. This candid account sheds light on the repetitive cycles that many with OCD endure and underlines the value of professional support.

A renowned ultra-endurance rower, Angus Collins, is turning his remarkable athletic journey into a campaign for men’s mental health. Collins, famous for setting five world records and becoming the youngest to row across the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans, is using his platform to encourage men and boys to speak openly about their insecurities and mental health challenges. Five years after surviving a suicide attempt, he aims to turn personal resilience into a powerful message of vulnerability and support.

As Thailand welcomes spring with blooming cherry blossoms and vibrant floral displays, new research highlights how flowers can support health beyond beauty. Studies show that simply viewing flowers can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and decrease cortisol levels, the hormone linked to stress. Even looking at a flower image can ease negative emotions and promote calm.

Incorporating flowers into daily life—whether tending a garden, arranging fresh bouquets, or simply enjoying a stroll through a park—promotes mindfulness. This habit can sharpen focus and build emotional resilience. Neuroaesthetics expert Professor Anjan Chatterjee notes that flowers provide brief yet meaningful moments of visual delight, inviting people to pause and appreciate the simple, natural beauty around them.

A new global study by AXA in collaboration with IPSOS finds that mental health challenges are rising among workers across 16 countries, including Thailand. The report shows stress, anxiety, and burnout have become common in modern workplaces, affecting both individual well-being and organizational performance.

Across the surveyed nations, about one in three workers report experiencing at least one mental health condition. Depression and anxiety are the most frequently cited issues, influenced by financial instability, job insecurity, and constant negative news. Additional pressures such as climate concerns and digital threats contribute to a broader sense of vulnerability. The term “eco-anxiety” has been used by executives to describe this growing stress layer.

A recent episode of a popular drama cast lorazepam, a benzodiazepine, into the spotlight to explore stress and coping. The storyline offers a chance to discuss how this medication works, its benefits, and the potential risks—particularly for Thai audiences where conversations about mental health are evolving.

Lorazepam belongs to benzodiazepines, drugs that enhance the brain’s GABA signals to produce a calming effect. They are commonly prescribed for short-term anxiety and panic, but they carry real risks, including dependence and dangerous interactions with alcohol, opioids, or other sedatives. In Thailand, where cultural attitudes can influence seeking mental health care, media portrayals can prompt constructive dialogue about safe treatment choices.

A nine-word mantra from Reese Witherspoon is sparking conversations on anxiety management. The American actress shared on social media: “Get out of your head, and into your hands.” The idea grew from helping a friend’s daughter ease anxiety through creative, hands-on activity. The post hints at a broader shift where celebrities speak about mental health beyond movie roles, inviting readers to explore practical coping strategies.

For Thai readers, anxiety is a familiar challenge in school, work, and daily life. The hands-on approach invites people to focus on tactile activities—crafting, cooking, or simple art projects—that can shift attention away from worrying thoughts. In one example, a teenager overwhelmed by school stress found relief by making chocolates, a mindful task that redirected her focus.

A well-known action star’s simple technique is making waves beyond Hollywood. Tom Cruise reportedly shared a practical mantra with Hayley Atwell to ease social anxiety on the set of Mission: Impossible: when fear arises, face it directly. The idea is to observe the source of the fear rather than retreating from it: “If you’re scared of something, just keep looking at it.” Atwell found that naming and confronting the trigger helped transform vague nerves into concrete, addressable concerns.

A new neuroscience study suggests that stimulating the vagus nerve can reduce the rubber hand illusion, a phenomenon where a fake hand is mistaken for part of the body. The findings, published in a leading psychology journal, point to potential treatments for conditions tied to bodily self-awareness and mental health.

The vagus nerve is a key communication link between brain and body, influencing emotion, attention, and self-perception. The research focuses on a non-invasive method called transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation, or taVNS. By sending gentle electrical pulses to the ear area connected to the vagus nerve, taVNS may enhance the brain’s ability to read internal signals, such as heartbeat.

Utah has just strengthened its framework to prevent unlicensed individuals from providing mental health treatment. The new law responds to growing concerns about the blurred line between life coaching and therapy. It clarifies that only licensed professionals may deliver mental health services, addressing a rising number of coaches offering therapeutic support without proper credentials. The bill’s passage marks a significant step, but questions remain about how life coaching should be governed in the future.

A European university-led study used fMRI to show that LSD alters brain connectivity in distinct ways from MDMA and d-amphetamine. The findings challenge the broad “psychedelics” label and highlight the need to analyze each drug’s specific brain effects for promising therapeutic insights.

The research scanned 25 healthy volunteers under the influence of LSD, MDMA, and d-amphetamine. All three substances disrupted communication within brain networks, but LSD uniquely impacted regions tied to self-awareness and sensory processing. This helps explain why LSD often produces profound perceptual changes and shifts in the sense of self, while MDMA and d-amphetamine yield different subjective experiences.

A global rise in depression and anxiety has intensified questions about the roots of today’s mental health challenges. In a provocative analysis, a writer argues that shifting cultural norms over the past decades have reshaped how societies understand and respond to mental well-being.

In the Netherlands, health authorities report a notable rise in euthanasia requests tied to psychological suffering. Among Dutch patients who chose euthanasia in 2024, mental distress accounted for about one-tenth of cases. This signals a broader public health challenge that crosses borders and calls for thoughtful, long‑term solutions. Data from Dutch health authorities show that emotional suffering is an increasingly important factor in end‑of‑life decisions, underscoring the need for accessible mental health care and compassionate support.

A wave of public-sector layoffs in the United States has sparked a notable rise in mental health challenges among affected workers. The abrupt terminations disrupt daily life, strain families, and fuel anxiety about the future. For Thai readers, the issue highlights why public-sector job security matters for well-being, especially as governments review workforce needs.

First-hand accounts from federal employees—shared by a health agency staff member among them—underscore the emotional toll of sudden layoffs. Many describe devastation after losing livelihoods without clear justification. Mental health professionals report rising demand for counseling and psychiatric care as job cuts continue. The situation shows how employment instability can strain communities nationwide.