By Carol Goh
If anxiety is disrupting your life, you don’t have to manage it alone. Book an appointment, contact us, or WhatsApp us for a quicker response. Related: Psychotherapy, EMDR, Schema Therapy.
Anxiety is common among many people—from children to adolescents and adults. As a matter of fact, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety is the most common type of mental health condition.
However, even though it is common, anxiety is not the same for everyone. Anxiety usually has an origin: the source can shape how you experience it. Understanding the various types—and which one you’re dealing with—helps explain why you feel the way you do. Below are 4 common types of anxiety and where to seek help.
1) Social anxiety
Often referred to as a fear of social situations. For some, unfamiliar settings—meeting new people, job interviews, or school/work activities—trigger anxiety. In other cases, nearly every social interaction can feel intimidating (even answering the phone or dining out).
Common signs include shortness of breath, trembling, and blushing, often linked to past shaming or witnessing a traumatic social moment.
2) Performance anxiety
This is the fear of one’s capacity to carry out a task (e.g., sports events, public speaking, examinations). People worry about failing before they start and fear looking foolish or humiliated. Triggers often include past ridicule or unrealistic expectations. Signs include trembling, nausea, shortness of breath, and escape behaviours (avoiding the task).
3) Separation anxiety
Characterised by excessive worry or fear when apart from a loved one. While common in children, it can affect adults. It may follow loss or family changes (e.g., parental divorce). Symptoms include pronounced sadness, fear, and reluctance when separated from an attachment figure.
4) Generalised anxiety (GAD)
A chronic pattern of worry across many domains (health, relationships, work, social interactions, everyday events), often without a single clear trigger—though there is usually a source (e.g., bullying, prolonged stress, dysfunctional family environments). People feel on edge, worry excessively, and have trouble concentrating.
Overcoming anxiety
When anxiety disrupts daily life, professional support helps. Anxiety is often a symptom of deeper issues (unresolved hurts or trauma), so treatment maps the roots and teaches practical regulation skills.
At Emotional Wellness Counselling Singapore, we tailor an evidence-informed plan using:
- EMDR for trauma-laced memories, shame, and stuck patterns.
Learn more: EMDR - Schema Therapy to transform lifelong “I’m not good enough / unlovable” traps.
Deep dive: Schema Therapy - CBT for thought patterns, avoidance cycles, and behaviour change.
- Bibliotherapy to reinforce insight and coping between sessions.
See: Bibliotherapy
We aim for both symptom relief and resilience—so you can return to study/work, relationships, and rest with steadier confidence.
Related reading: Therapy for Anxiety in Singapore, Anxiety vs Panic Attacks, Social Anxiety & How to Overcome It.
Ready to talk?
- Book an appointment (in-person or online)
- Contact us or WhatsApp us for a quicker response.
The information in this article is for educational purposes and isn’t a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
