When he was 13, Pataradanai "Koen" Setsuwan started his singing career. Two years later, he was a member of the boy band K-Otic which was active between 2007 to 2012.
Today in his early 30s, Pataradanai is pursuing a doctorate in existential psychotherapy at Middlesex University in London, where he previously received a master's degree with a merit in applied psychology.
"I really appreciate my experience as a singer. But there was a point in my life that I didn't know who I was without someone telling me who I am. So I really needed external validation," he said.
"I grew up in a family with mental health issues so it was very clear to me that there was not a lot of supporting network and services in Thailand. So I went on a journey to find what I really want to do in life and discovered my passion for psychotherapy, which I have been practising for four years now."
Symptoms of mental illness are often unseen and unheard, especially in Thailand where it is still a stigmatised subject.
"The scariest part is that those suffering deny it. Even when they realise that they have depression or other mental disorders, they don't know what to do, where to go, or how to access help and support," he said.
Psychotherapist Pataradanai Setsuwan. (Photo: Lululemon)
In Thailand, Pataradanai's project Jood Pak Jai (A Resting Place For Your Heart) randomly takes him to various public places where he helps people open up during a one-hour session.
"Psychotherapists are misperceived as healers. At the end of the day, we are active listeners who provide space for people to feel safe," he explained. "First of all I promise confidentiality, which is very important. Whatever we say here will stay here. Then I ask them, 'What would you like to tell me today?', and we start from an open question to anything they want to talk about."
Thais however tend to hide their emotions. This is related to the kreng jai concept that puts others first and stops people from saying and doing what they truly want.
This was one of the findings of Lululemon's Global Wellbeing Report 2023, following an online survey fielded in 14 markets between May 1 and June 6. The survey involved 1,000 respondents for each market totalling 14,000 people globally.
Pychotherapist Pataradanai Setsuwan.
More than half of respondents in Thailand feel pressure to pretend to be happy even when they are not. Two in three Gen Z wish they could express how they actually feel instead of always pretending to be fine.
Around three in five feel the pressure to conform to societal norms, which negatively impacts their mental well-being, contributing to feelings of social isolation and loneliness.
Lululemon's annual report actuated the "Find Your Wellbeing" campaign launched in October. The athletic apparel brand recently partnered with Pataradanai for a community event in Bangkok. During the one-hour sharing session, the psychotherapist offered advice on maintaining a healthy mind, body and soul.
"All your feelings are valid. If you feel you need help, reach out to a friend, a colleague, a community or who whoever is your safe space, and if it's not enough, seek professional help," he said.
