#Mentalhealth

A former Premier League striker, Dean Sturridge, has spoken publicly about a four-decade gambling battle. The disclosure aims to reveal the hidden struggles athletes face beyond fame and fortune and to push for greater awareness and support.

Now 51 and working as a football agent, Sturridge says he has not bet in more than five years. He decided to share his story to help current and future players and to deepen public understanding of gambling’s impact. He describes gambling as a form of escapism that offered brief relief from the pressures of professional sport, team selection, and management tensions.

A recent breakthrough from researchers at the BIAL Foundation shows how two neuron types in the nucleus accumbens help the brain reclassify stimuli as dangerous or rewarding. This re-evaluation is crucial for learning what to fear and what to seek, with important implications for anxiety and PTSD treatment.

For Thai readers, the study holds promise for improving mental health therapies in a country where anxiety and trauma-related conditions are a concern. Understanding how the brain updates fear and reward could guide more effective interventions that fit Thai cultural contexts and care standards.

A global mental health report reveals a troubling pattern: many suicidal teens do not seek help. The finding emphasizes the need for open conversations, stronger school and community support, and easier access to care. In Thailand, stigma around mental health often silences young people, making early intervention essential.

The report highlights that in various regions, including Monroe County, teens contemplating suicide rarely reach out for assistance. While the study focuses on a specific area, its message resonates worldwide. Thailand faces a similar challenge—cultural barriers and uneven resources can delay professional care. Thai educators and health advocates are increasingly stressing proactive outreach to youths across the country.

A long-time therapy client recently shared a troubling experience through a popular advice column, sparking a broader discussion about what patients should expect from mental health professionals. The story centers on a therapist who seems increasingly forgetful, raising questions about consistency, reliability, and the standards that guide care.

The client, writing under a pseudonym, felt dismissed when key issues from earlier sessions were forgotten. The lapse clashed with the therapist’s initial commitment to regular meetings, underscoring a core truth in therapy: trust and continuity are essential for meaningful progress. When memory and attention waver, the therapeutic alliance weakens.

A recent feature highlights a therapist who uses nature-based therapy to support mental health recovery. By weaving outdoor environments into treatment, this approach aims to enhance psychological well-being and resilience. As mental health needs rise worldwide, nature-focused therapy offers a refreshing, human-centered option that aligns with people’s connection to the environment.

Nature-based therapy, also known as ecotherapy or green therapy, rests on nature’s restorative effects. Unlike traditional sessions in clinical rooms, therapists invite patients outdoors to engage with trees, water, and open spaces. This practice acknowledges how natural surroundings can ease anxiety, depression, and stress, reflecting a growing trend among professionals to incorporate outdoor activities into treatment plans.

A new study released in March 2025 links being a night owl to a higher risk of depression compared with early risers. The research points to sleep quality, mindfulness practices, and daily choices as key factors driving this association. For Thailand, where urban living and heavy digital engagement influence daily rhythms, the findings have clear local relevance.

According to a senior clinician, modifiable factors such as sleep routines and physical activity can reduce depression risk. The emphasis on prevention is timely as global rates of depression rise, affecting young adults in particular. Another expert notes that an “always-on” culture—with constant connectivity and social media—can erode sleep, especially among adolescents and young adults.

As soldiers increasingly report psychological trauma, experts spotlight a treatment that could change PTSD care: the Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB). A recent briefing highlights SGB as a potential breakthrough for high-stress populations, including military personnel. While the case for SGB is strongest in contexts with rapid symptom relief, the discussion resonates with Thailand’s growing focus on mental health awareness and accessible care.

In Israel, PTSD is recognized as a major challenge for personnel who have faced extended combat exposure. The Defense Ministry has drawn attention to the condition as a pressing issue among both physically injured and psychologically distressed soldiers. The experience of frontline units that endure long deployments underscores the demand for faster-acting therapies that can complement existing treatments.

A new study highlights a troubling gap in help-seeking among teens facing mental health crises. Amid mounting academic, social, and personal pressures, many adolescents remain silent rather than reaching out for support, raising concerns about long-term well-being.

In the United States, a large survey of 17,000 high school students found that 42% reported symptoms of clinical depression. Among girls and LGBTQ+ youth, the figures are notably higher: 57% of girls and 69% of LGBTQ+ teens reported feeling depressed. Disturbingly, about one in three girls and one in two LGBTQ+ youths said they had considered suicide over the past year. Research by respected institutions underscores the urgency of these numbers and the need for accessible, stigma-free help.

A long-term Finnish study raises alarms about early childhood screen use and its link to stress and depressive symptoms in adolescence. Published in a respected medical journal, the findings underscore the need for Thai families to manage digital device use during key development years and to promote healthy activities outside the screen.

The PANIC cohort study followed 187 children from ages 6–9 into their teenage years, revealing that higher hours on smartphones and tablets in childhood correlated with more serious mental health challenges later. As teen mental health concerns rise, the research serves as a timely reminder for parents and educators to monitor digital exposure and encourage balanced routines.

Recent mood shifts in spring align with growing evidence that what we eat can affect mental well-being. A large study highlighted by reputable outlets shows a clear link between diet and mental health, encouraging readers to consider their meals with renewed intention.

Researchers identify a notable connection between ultra-processed foods and mental distress. Regular consumption of fast food, packaged snacks, and sugary treats associates with higher anxiety and an increased risk of depression. Experts explain that such eating patterns may trigger neuroinflammation, potentially affecting mood, motivation, memory, and clarity of thought. This underscores how daily nutrition and mental health are intertwined.

A recent NIH-supported study provides a sharper picture of how memories form in the brain. Using advanced imaging in mice, researchers show that memory creation involves complex reorganizations at cellular and subcellular levels. These findings could influence approaches to cognitive disorders and effective learning methods.

For Thai audiences who value education and personal development, the research clarifies the brain processes behind how we learn. The study, published in a leading scientific journal, highlights the brain’s adaptability during memory encoding and after. Results suggest neural connections reorganize more intricately than the classic “fire together, wire together” principle, inviting deeper exploration of learning dynamics.

A regional reflection on involuntary hospitalization in New York City is prompting Thai health officials to re-examine how to balance individual rights with public safety. Bangkok and other cities are weighing legal provisions, service capacity, and culturally sensitive care as they plan a humane, effective mental health system.

In New York, the mayor’s administration has pressed for involuntary hospitalization to connect people in mental health crises with treatment, even when there is no consent. Critics caution that the policy may not reliably improve outcomes and could produce unintended effects. A 2024 city study found gaps: many people removed from street homelessness were not admitted for inpatient care, and follow-up support varied. A council review also highlighted racial disparities, noting Black residents represented a disproportionate share of those removed from the streets.

A growing body of research shows that when people sleep can influence mood and mental health. A study from the University of Surrey suggests that night owls—those who prefer late bedtimes—may have a higher risk of depression compared with early risers. The findings point to sleep quality, mindfulness, and lifestyle choices as key mediators.

For Thai readers, this link is particularly relevant. Bangkok’s urban pace, long work hours, and constant device use can push many toward later bedtimes. Night-owl tendencies are common in fast-moving cities, but irregular sleep schedules may carry mental health costs if routines don’t support rest.