Feeling excessively anxious and worrisome at times? Having negative rumination and a sense of helplessness? Having breathing difficulties and experiencing muscle tension or heart palpitations at times?
Anxiety is a normal emotion which all of us are familiar with. When we go for exams, job interviews, do something unfamiliar or when we are confronted with our fears. Whilst anxiety is an emotion that we all experience, for some, anxiety is felt at an intensity and duration that significantly impacts their life at a sufficient severity to be called an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety Disorder or Just Anxious?
Anxiety is the sensation of worry, nervousness or unease, such as the feeling you get before your final exam or a big presentation at work and that can be a source of motivation as well. However, when anxiety debilitates a person’s life in such a way that it interferes with day-to-day functions and relationships, professional help is needed. To read more on this, click here.
Prevalence of Anxiety in Singapore
Latest nationwide study conducted in 2016 shows that 1 in 7 people in Singapore has experienced a mood, anxiety or alcohol use disorder in their lifetime. About 10 per cent of the population in Singapore suffer from anxiety and depressive disorders. Out of this, six per cent have depression, 0.9 per cent have Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and three per cent have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). To read more, click here.
Treatment for Anxiety
Psychotherapy such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) are particularly effective in treating anxiety disorders. CBT focuses on teaching people how to challenge patterns of unhelpful thinking that contribute to intense anxiety. It also helps people respond more effectively to anxiety provoking situations. Treatment plans can assist with developing a range of skills to identify and manage emotions more effectively, including anxiety.
Life Journey is here to journey with you through this difficult season together.
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has been found to effectively other mood and anxiety disorders, including depression, phobias, and panic disorder. EMDR treatment works by directing eye movements while imagining distressing scenarios and shifting your attention toward more positive thoughts, causing anxiety to dissipate. To read more, click here.
Drop us an email here if you would like to know how we can help you.