Counselling and Treatment Methods for Anxiety Challenges

Anxiety is a feeling of fear or apprehension about something that might happen. It is a natural response to stressful situations, such as attending a job interview, starting the first day of school or making an important presentation. It is helpful to know that not all anxiety is bad. Anxiety is our body’s way of preparing for challenges; it increases our heart rate, alertness and sensitivity to our surroundings. Anxiety can motivate or stimulate action and creativity. Every one of us experiences anxiety at some point in our lives. It usually goes away when the stressful situation is over. However, if the anxiety is so intense and frequent, it may affect our capacity for daily functioning. Our bodies will be on frequently high alert.

Intense anxiety has aversive effects on our development, well-being and relationship with others. People with anxiety constantly feel restless and irritable. They may also have trouble falling asleep or having a restful sleep, leading to difficulty staying awake and concentrating the next day. If prolonged, the anxiety may lead to the development of psychological conditions. The most common one is Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), the widespread excessive and long-lasting worry about nonspecific life events or situations. Other specific anxiety-related conditions include phobias, social anxiety and panic disorder.

Counselling and psychotherapy are the primary treatments for anxiety. Some people may need medication to manage the physiological symptoms caused by stress. Popular anxiety therapy in Singapore includes Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), a well-researched and evidence-based treatment many practitioners use. Other popular anxiety therapy in Singapore includes Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Choice Theory, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Expressive Therapy.

Coping technique for anxiety include:

• Deep breathing

• Relaxation and grounding skills

• Positive or encouraging self-talk

• Cognitive restructuring and self-compassion

More people have been seeking anxiety counselling in Singapore in the past few years due to COVID-19. Common challenges are stress from financial strain, loneliness, fear of the unknown, and a sense of losing control over their lives. Working or attending classes from home also increases social anxiety. As Singapore moved to endemic, some people are anxious about adjusting to interacting with more people after such a long period spent in only small and close-knit groups. Thus, while most people welcome Singapore transitioning to the “endemic,” some people are anxious about the transition.

If you or a loved one is struggling with anxiety, please seek support from your family or friends and a professional counsellor or psychotherapist. A mental health professional can help you identify the root cause and process and guide you with the appropriate coping strategies.

Restoring Peace Counselling & Consultancy provides counselling and psychotherapy for anxiety, depression, trauma and other mental health challenges. For more information, please visit www.restoringpeace.com.sg, email contact@restoringpeace.com.sg or Whatsapp at +65 8889 1848.