Multiple urban, life challenges distress Bangkokians

BANGKOK, Oct 9 – Immediate problems including exorbitant commodity prices, higher cost of living, floods and traffic congestion have put Bangkokians under severe strain, according to a survey by Bangkok University.

The varsity research centre conducted a survey on urban people’s mental health amid economic, social and natural disaster crises in the past three months. It revealed the results today on the eve of the World Mental Health Day.

The 1,474-person survey found 28.6 per cent of Bangkok people stressed due to skyrocketing commodity prices and the increasing cost of living, while fears of flooding represented 15 per cent and traffic woes 12 per cent.

Sixty per cent of distressed people turned to their families while 20 per cent – one in five -- confided with their peers and 10 per cent – one in ten -- with their soul mates.

The favourite tension-relieving activities are watching television or listening to radio (98 per cent), shopping, watching movies and eating out (88 per cent) and doing physical workouts (84.5 per cent). (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-10-09

Pretty much like the rest of the world..... Why should Thai's miss out on all the financial turmoil?

Sad fact of modern life in a huge metropolis like Bkk...the stresses that result from unrealistic expectations from the dreams promulgated by multi natinal profiteers mean that mental illness is inevitable.

Sad fact of modern life in a huge metropolis like Bkk...the stresses that result from unrealistic expectations from the dreams promulgated by multi natinal profiteers mean that mental illness is inevitable.

I've lived in large metropolis areas in other parts of the world (San Francisco Bay Area, Tokyo, Seattle, etc.) The stresses are no where near the angst Bangkok produces (fear of infrastructure breakdown, civil unrest, etc.). My hat is off to anyone who can live there and function 'normally.'