#Socialanxiety

A growing body of research and expert guidance is reshaping how we talk to friends and loved ones who battle social anxiety. Rather than offering simple platitudes or urging someone to “just relax,” clinicians say the words we choose can either ease the fear of judgment or reinforce it. The latest conversation centers on five seemingly well-meaning phrases that, in practice, tend to backfire. For Thai readers, with its close-knit families, crowded social calendars, and deep respect for caregivers and elders, the way we speak about anxiety carries particular weight—especially in schools, workplaces, and community settings where empathy and inclusion matter for everyone’s wellbeing.

Those familiar nights of lying awake at three in the morning, mentally replaying an awkward comment made years ago while your heart races with inexplicable embarrassment, may actually signal the presence of seven remarkable psychological traits that distinguish individuals with advanced social and emotional processing capabilities. Recent psychological research reveals that far from indicating mere anxiety or obsessive thinking, these midnight mental marathons reflect sophisticated social intelligence, exceptional memory systems, and profound empathetic abilities that contribute significantly to creative success and meaningful interpersonal connections.

Anyone who finds themselves jolted awake at 3am, heart pounding as they relive something mildly embarrassing said years ago, may find comfort—and even pride—in the latest psychological insights. Far from being merely anxious or overthinking, such experiences reflect a unique set of social and emotional traits, as detailed by recent reporting in VegOut Magazine’s feature, “If you wake up at 3am overthinking something you said years ago, you have these 7 unique traits” (VegOutMag.com).

A groundbreaking five-year study has found that individuals experiencing social anxiety are more likely to become lonely in the future, but not vice versa. This major discovery challenges prevailing assumptions and has important implications for how mental health professionals and Thai families address loneliness and isolation—major social and health issues within the Kingdom. The research, published in Psychological Medicine, draws on a large-scale, longitudinal dataset and is among the most robust to date in clarifying the connection between these two common struggles (PsyPost).

A large five-year study finds that social anxiety in adults increases the odds of feeling lonely later, while loneliness itself does not reliably trigger social anxiety. The finding challenges common assumptions and offers clear implications for Thai families, schools, and health services as loneliness rises in urban communities. The research appears in Psychological Medicine and uses a robust longitudinal dataset to deepen understanding of how anxiety and isolation interact.

In Thailand, where family ties and social gatherings are culturally central, rising loneliness has attracted concern from the Ministry of Public Health and universities. Local surveys point to increasing isolation after Covid-19 disruptions and ongoing digital shifts in how people connect. This international study helps frame Thailand’s experience within a broader context of mental well-being and changing social life.

Eye contact reveals more about confidence, self-esteem, and social intelligence than many realize. New insights from psychology and field interviews offer practical lessons for Thais navigating work, family, and public life.

In Thailand, subtle signals matter. The moment eyes meet can signal trust or hesitation in job interviews, negotiations, or casual chats at markets. A relaxed, steady gaze communicates openness, warmth, and confidence before a word is spoken. Quick, tense, or wandering eye contact often hints at unease or distraction.

New research is shedding light on how the simple act of maintaining eye contact reveals far more about your confidence, self-esteem, and social intelligence than most realize, according to recent psychology findings summarised in a July 2025 report by VegOut Magazine. Drawing from extensive interviews with psychologists and peer-reviewed studies, the article uncovers eight core areas where gaze behavior provides insight into personal assurance, social anxiety, and even intercultural competence, offering practical lessons for Thais navigating workplace, family, and public interactions.

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 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.