Anxiety, Panic & Phobia Counselling Singapore
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What Is Anxiety Disorder; Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Effective, compassionate counselling for anxiety, panic, and fear-based struggles.
Anxiety disorder is a mental health condition characterised by excessive and persistent feelings of fear, worry, or dread, which can interfere with daily life. Unlike occasional anxiety that we all experience in stressful situations, an anxiety disorder involves ongoing, intense anxiety that occurs frequently and without clear reason. It often affects an individual’s ability to function, causing emotional, physical, and behavioural symptoms that may worsen over time if left untreated.
Experiencing stress, panic attacks, and anxiety, including phobias, can significantly impact one’s quality of life. Anxiety disorders often manifest in various forms and can arise from numerous sources, affecting individuals both emotionally and physically. At its core, anxiety is a fear of the future, where we imagine we lack the resources to cope with what lies ahead.
Anxiety disorder is common in Singapore, with an estimated 10% of the population affected at some point in their lives (Institute of Mental Health, Singapore). Globally, around 3.6% of the population suffers from anxiety disorders (World Health Organization). Despite its prevalence, anxiety can be incredibly debilitating, especially in situations like social anxiety, job stress, fear of losing employment, or experiencing panic attacks. It can feel isolating when others do not understand or minimise what you’re going through.
Anxiety disorders often present as persistent worry, overthinking, stress, and fear of being judged. Left untreated, anxiety can worsen over time, leading to feelings of breakdown and an overwhelming urge to cry. Anxiety is frequently misunderstood and can be mistaken for traits like shyness, nervousness, or difficulty concentrating. For example:
Social anxiety disorder may cause someone to appear shy or avoid social situations due to fear of judgement or embarrassment.
Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) can lead to ongoing nervousness about everyday events, making the person seem excessively worried.
Anxiety can affect focus, making it difficult to complete tasks or stay attentive, often mistaken for a lack of interest.
The constant uneasiness and fear that accompany anxiety disorders can trigger a fight-or-flight response, making daily functioning challenging. This response may lead to irrational thoughts, such as quitting a job or, in extreme cases, contemplating suicide. Anxiety can profoundly affect work performance, strain family relationships, and create a frustrating cycle that can feel impossible to break.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorder is more than just feeling worried or stressed—it’s an overwhelming sense of fear or dread about the future, often accompanied by the feeling of being unprepared to handle what lies ahead. Anxiety can manifest in different ways and become debilitating when it affects daily functioning. Here is a comprehensive list of anxiety disorders, as outlined in the DSM-5:
Persistent and excessive worry about a wide range of everyday matters for at least six months. Individuals with GAD often feel restless, fatigued, and have difficulty concentrating. For example, someone with GAD may constantly worry about family safety or work performance, even when there is no specific reason to be concerned.
Characterised by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks—sudden periods of intense fear that can include sweating, chest pain, dizziness, and shortness of breath. These attacks often occur without warning. For example, a person may experience a panic attack in a crowded shopping centre, causing them to avoid similar locations in the future.
Intense fear of being in places or situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable. This could include being in open spaces, public transport, or crowds. Individuals with agoraphobia often avoid leaving their homes. For instance, a person may avoid travelling far from home due to the fear of having a panic attack.
A deep fear of social situations where one might be judged, embarrassed, or humiliated. This often leads to avoiding social interactions, public speaking, or meeting new people. For example, someone with social anxiety might avoid speaking in meetings at work, fearing judgement.
An extreme, irrational fear of specific objects or situations that pose little to no actual danger. Common phobias include fear of heights, spiders, flying, or blood. These fears can severely limit one’s daily life. For example, someone with a fear of flying might avoid all air travel, even when it’s necessary for work or personal reasons.
Excessive fear or anxiety about being separated from significant attachment figures, typically parents or loved ones. This disorder, more common in children, can also affect adults. For example, a child may refuse to attend school due to fear of being away from their parents, or an adult might experience anxiety about their partner travelling.
Consistent failure to speak in specific social situations (e.g., school or work) where speaking is expected, despite speaking normally in other settings. This is more common in children. For example, a child may speak freely at home but remain silent when at school.
Causes of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders can develop from a variety of factors, including biological, psychological, and environmental causes. Below is a list of common causes and how they contribute to the development of anxiety:
Anxiety can be linked to chemical imbalances in the brain, particularly involving neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA. An excess of cortisol, the “stress hormone,” can also increase anxiety levels.
A family history of anxiety disorders can increase the likelihood of developing one. However, genetics alone aren’t the sole cause—environmental factors also play a role.
Exposure to trauma or highly stressful situations during childhood can predispose someone to anxiety later in life. Childhood neglect, abuse, or witnessing domestic violence can create deep-rooted feelings of insecurity and fear. These early experiences can shape how a person responds to stress as an adult.
People who are more sensitive, perfectionistic, or have low self-esteem may be more likely to develop anxiety disorders.
- Stressful Life Events:
Major changes or traumas, such as the death of a loved one, divorce, job loss, or significant financial difficulties, can all contribute to heightened anxiety. These events may lead to feelings of loss of control or uncertainty, which are common triggers for anxiety.
- Social Situations:
People with social anxiety disorder may find interactions such as public speaking, meeting new people, or attending large gatherings to be highly stressful. The fear of being judged or humiliated can cause extreme anxiety in these situations.
- Health Concerns:
Chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, diabetes, or cancer, can lead to ongoing anxiety. Additionally, individuals with a history of trauma or abuse may develop anxiety as a long-term consequence of their experiences.
- Certain Substances:
Caffeine, alcohol, and certain drugs (both recreational and prescription) can trigger or exacerbate anxiety symptoms. Stimulants like caffeine can heighten feelings of nervousness, while withdrawal from substances like alcohol can lead to increased anxiety.
- Environmental Factors:
External stimuli such as loud noises, bright lights, or crowded, confined spaces can act as triggers for anxiety, especially for individuals who are already prone to stress. For example, being in a busy, noisy environment may increase anxiety levels in people who are sensitive to their surroundings.
Anxiety Disorder Symptoms
Physical Symptoms
Psychological Symptoms
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Taking the Next Step
Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety? You don’t have to manage it alone. Our dedicated team at Listening Ear Counselling & Consultancy Pte. Ltd. in Singapore provides personalised, professional support to help you regain control and find relief. If anxiety is impacting your daily life, relationships, or work, take the first step toward a calmer mind. Contact us today for anxiety counselling, and let’s start your journey to healing together.