Young people wear ‘slow exploding bombs’ for psychological health

When faced with many problems in life, young people often suffer from the “disease” of thinking negatively about past mistakes or worrying excessively about things in the future. This “worrying” problem drives the need for effective solutions.

“Slow Bomb”

We met VHK (22 years old), who currently lives in Binh Thanh District (HCMC). VHK shared that he is an “overthinking” person.

You think that because you are sensitive and dreamy, you always want everything to go according to plan. When faced with difficulties, contrary to the original calculation, K.J. Often faced with negative emotions, which affect work and life.

“At first I didn’t think I was overthinking, I thought everything would be fine in 2-3 days. But later, I couldn’t get rid of negative things and overthinking.

It can appear at any time without any warning signs. Overthinking is like a ticking time bomb, I’m completely trapped, don’t know how to get out,” expressed K.

In December 2022, at a time when faced with negative thoughts, VHK tried to solve it by cutting his wrists with a razor. Of. According to, after that incident, your psychological state “gets worse and worse”.

“At that time, I lived alone. The stuffy living space and the pressure of work and studies made me think negatively, even contemplating suicide. At such times, I could not share Wanted. Share with someone because I don’t want to spread negative energy in others,” K. miss.

Of. Then tried to find a psychologist to assess the situation. The experts recommend a visit to the doctor, you follow that and the doctor prescribes the treatment.

After a month of using the drug, K. felt less anxious but found herself more sleepy. Soon after that you stopped the treatment.

Up to the present time, K. Said she still often has negative thoughts with erratic frequency and “difficult to control”.

Recalling her negative thoughts of “missing life”, Vo Thai An (21 years old, lives in Tan Phu district) shared: “From the day I left home to go to school and work, I faced many emotions. done, think too much negative. When I enter new environment, I feel weak and inferior. Thinking that I am still confused while my friends act stable and active, sometimes I lie in bed I go and start sobbing.”

With Thai An, there are times when faced with negative thoughts I “stay awake until the next morning” and “don’t know how to get out”. Thai Ann said, “I’ve thought about seeing a psychologist for a mental health evaluation, but it seems like the cost is too high, so I haven’t.”

there is a growing trend

According to psychologist Tran Quang Trong (Le Van Thinh Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City), following the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an increase in the number of patients seeking treatment for neuropsychiatric diseases and psychotic disorders. Most of these patients are teenagers.

“Most adolescent patients experience stress, adjustment disorders, focus on symptoms of contact avoidance, loss of interest, stress, disorientation or school dropout,” Trong said.

Assessing the reason for the increase in the number of teenage patients with psychological problems, psychologist Tran Quang Trong said it comes from study pressure, work and unexpected events. handle and respond in a timely manner. Apart from this, some other reasons come from problem-solving skills, personality and supportive resources.

Trong said, “This condition does not necessarily develop into a mental disorder. However, if a young person has serious psychological problems, it will greatly affect their learning, work, social relationships and reduce the quality of your life.” Will give.”

Speaking to Tuoy Tre, Dr Vu Kim Hoan, deputy head of the general planning department specializing in psychiatry – general internal medicine at the Ho Chi Minh City Psychiatric Hospital, said that within the first six months of 2023, there were 90,141 visits. Patients come to the unit to be screened for mental disorders.

Dr. Hone also noted that “overthinking” is common among youth. “Over-thinking” makes youth more likely to develop depression or anxiety disorders.

“When engaging, they gradually become bored, lose interest, tire easily, don’t eat well, don’t sleep well, have difficulty concentrating, lose confidence, have difficulty making decisions Worse, they develop a sense of inferiority, though ultimately feel guilty. Thoughts of death, if not treated in time, will lead to clear suicidal thoughts, planning, and eventually suicide,” Dr. Hone. Said.

Dr. Nguyen Van Tuong, deputy director of the Center for Mental Health Research and Support (Vietnam National University in Ho Chi Minh City), said that among mental health problems, more and more young people suffer from “overthinking” syndrome.

It stems from the fact that every individual always wants to find good values ​​in life, better themselves and fulfill needs. However, without a balance between goals, the ability to control expectations and take risks, it can easily lead to a tendency to worry excessively about everything.

According to Dr. Tuong, there is currently no specific research on specific treatments for individuals with “overthinking” problems. At the same time, this syndrome is not a disease, so at present there is no specific treatment for it.

Practicing relaxation skills and changing mindsets are the most useful measures, in combination with support, psychological interventions, therapy and maintaining a positive lifestyle.

Research: Meat eaters have better psychological health than vegetarians

According to a study published in the journal Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, people who abstain from meat often have worse psychological health than those who eat meat. The study did not draw any conclusions about the relationship between these two facts, but indicated that vegetarians had a higher risk of depression, anxiety and self-harm.