Anxiety
We all experience worry from time to time, before an exam, a big presentation, or while waiting for important news. Worry is part of how our mind processes challenges, and in small amounts, it can even be useful. It helps us stay alert, prepared, and motivated.
Anxiety, however, happens when worry becomes excessive, persistent, and hard to control. Instead of helping us cope, it starts to interfere with daily life, affecting our sleep, focus, mood and relationships. In some cases, anxiety may also trigger fear, especially in situations that feel threatening, such as phobias or panic attacks.
When these feelings become overwhelming or constant, it may be more than “just stress”. This is when we might be looking at an anxiety disorder.
Recognising the early signs and reaching out for support can make a big difference, helping you manage symptoms before they take over your everyday life.
What Is An Anxiety Disorder?
Feeling anxious once in a while is a normal part of life — for example, before an exam, a job interview, or when facing an important decision.
An anxiety disorder is different. The worries are much more intense, last longer, and can interfere with daily life.
There are many types of anxiety disorders, and what triggers anxiety can be different for each person.
Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety affects both the mind and the body. The exact symptoms can differ depending on the type of anxiety disorder, but many people experience a mix of the following:
Psychological | Physical |
|---|---|
| Constant nervousness or unease | A racing or pounding heartbeat |
| Racing or obsessive thoughts that make it hard to focus | Sweating or trembling |
| Feeling tense, restless, or easily irritated | Trouble sleeping / Insomnia |
Intense fear, even when there is no immediate danger | Dizziness, nausea, or an upset stomach |
Shortness of breath or feeling light-headed |
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Separation Anxiety Disorder
Specific Phobias
Panic Disorder
Agoraphobia
Common Triggers Of Anxiety
Many everyday pressures, such as school, work, or relationship challenges, can stir anxiety.
It may not always be about what is happening right now; past experiences, personality traits, and even biological factors can also shape how strongly anxiety shows up.
When feelings become overwhelming, it is not unusual for people to avoid certain places, activities, or situations to escape the discomfort. Over time, though, this avoidance can shrink life’s possibilities and make the world feel smaller.
The key takeaway: anxiety disorders are not simply “nerves” or ordinary stress. They are real medical conditions, well-understood, highly treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of.
With the right support, it is possible to find relief and reclaim a fuller, freer life.
Causes of Anxiety Disorders
Biological Factors | Environmental Factors |
|---|---|
Brain chemistry: Imbalances in chemicals like serotonin and dopamine can affect mood and anxiety. | Stress: Ongoing stress from work, school, or relationships can build up over time. |
Brain activity: Overactivity in areas like the amygdala (which processes fear) can make someone more prone to anxiety. | Trauma: Experiencing a traumatic event (such as an accident, abuse, or loss) can change the way the brain processes fear and stress. |
Medical conditions: Heart disease, diabetes, or breathing problems may contribute to anxiety. | Life circumstances: Major changes like moving, financial struggles, or caregiving responsibilities may also play a role. |
Medication side effects: Some medications can trigger or worsen anxiety symptoms. | |
Genetics: Anxiety disorders can run in families, suggesting a genetic link. |
When To Seek Help?
It is normal to feel anxious sometimes, but if anxiety is showing up often, feels overwhelming, or starts getting in the way of daily life, it may be time to reach out for support.
You should consider seeking help if:
- The symptoms happen frequently and interfere with work, studies, or relationships.
- You find yourself avoiding places or activities because of fear or worry.
- You turn to unhealthy coping methods, such as alcohol, drugs, or overeating, to try to manage the anxiety.
- The anxiety feels out of your control or is affecting your physical health.
Reaching out for help does not mean you are weak; it means you are taking an important step toward feeling better. With the right support, anxiety disorders are very treatable, and recovery is possible.
How Can Us Help You?
Experienced Therapists
Our processes and quality assurance is led by Dr.Emma Waddington, a UK-trained senior clinician psychologist and Founder of Us Therapy, with over 20+ years of experience in helping individuals in Singapore.
Holistic & Personalised Approach
Our clinicians draw from various therapeutic models to create a holistic approach. At Us, we have seen hundreds of clients and we recognise that each individual is unique. Our approach is tailored to you but always includes customised treatment plans and integrative techniques.
Thorough Assessment
At Us, we pride ourselves on our comprehensive assessment processes. We will undergo a thorough assessment process with you in your first sessions before we come up with a plan for your therapy.
Our Therapists
Therapy Approaches
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Acceptance and Committment Therapy (ACT)
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Exposure Therapy
Lifestyle and Self-Care Support
What To Expect
Initial Consultation – A Space to Be Heard
The first session is all about getting to know you. It is a conversation—one where you can share what is been on your mind, what has been feeling difficult, and what you would like support with. Your therapist will ask questions about your background, experiences, and goals, but there is no pressure to answer any questions—just a safe space to begin.
Questionnaires & Onboarding Surveys – Understanding the Full Picture
To help tailor therapy to your needs, you may be asked to fill out some brief questionnaires before or after your first session. These can give insight into things like mood, stress levels, relationship patterns, or coping strategies. They are not tests—just tools to help your therapist understand how best to support you.
Individual Therapy Sessions – Your Journey at Your Own Pace
Each session is a step forward in your journey. Therapy is not just about talking—it is about discovering new ways to navigate life’s challenges, make sense of emotions, and feel like you are getting the most out of your life. Depending on your needs, sessions may focus on:
- Exploring patterns of thought and behavior
- Understanding past experiences and their impact on the present
- Developing practical coping tools
- Strengthening emotional resilience
Feedback Sessions – Reflecting and Adjusting
After the first few sessions (or after assessments), a feedback session provides space to reflect on how therapy is going. This is a chance to talk about what has been helpful, what you would like more of, and how therapy can continue to best serve you.
Intervention – The Heart of Therapy
Intervention is where meaningful change happens. Every therapy journey is unique, and the approach will be shaped around what works best for you. Some common approaches include:
🌱 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Helping to identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns, reduce anxiety, and develop healthier ways to cope and new patterns of behaviour.
🧠 Schema Therapy – Deep, transformational work to uncover long-standing patterns that might be keeping you stuck, often rooted in early life experiences.
💙 Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – Learning to handle difficult emotions with self-compassion and move towards what truly matters in life.
🌊 Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – A powerful approach for healing trauma and distressing memories, helping the brain reprocess them in a way that feels less overwhelming.
🧘 Mindfulness-Based Approaches – Building self-awareness, grounding techniques, and ways to manage stress and emotions with greater ease.
Fees
Individual Counselling Rates
Clinician type
Fees and Duration
Clinic Founder
$310
Principal Psychologist
$290
Senior Clinical Psychologist
$262
Educational Psychologist
$262
Clinical Psychologist
$236
Counsellor
$170
Expressive Arts Therapist
$170
Associate Psychologist
$130
Phone calls / Emails
Clinicians rate pro-rata (10 Mins)
FAQs About Anxiety Disorder
What are the 5 main symptoms of anxiety?
- Excessive worries – uncontrollable, overflowing worries that are disproportionate to the actual situation
- Physical symptoms – commonly include sweating, heat racing, trembling,
- Restlessness – continuous feeling of tension, unable to relax
- Sleep disturbance – difficulties staying or falling asleep due to the disturbance of anxious thoughts
- Trouble concentrating – difficulty processing information, or thinking deeply, as the mind is occupied with worries
How to overcome anxiety?
What are the signs that I have anxiety?
What is the 3-3-3 rule for anxiety?
- 3 Objects
- 3 Sounds
- 3 Moving body parts