Therapy for Anxiety: What It Is, When to Get Help, and How Therapy Works
Anxiety is normal. But when does it become too much?
Anxiety is a natural, protective response. It alerts us to potential danger and helps us stay safe. But sometimes, anxiety becomes more intense, more frequent, or starts interfering with everyday life.
If you find yourself constantly on edge, avoiding things you used to enjoy, or feeling physically unwell from worry, it might be time to seek support.
In this article, we explore what anxiety is, when it becomes a clinical issue, what it feels like, and how therapy can help.
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is a future-oriented emotional state. It often arises in anticipation of a threat, whether that threat is real or perceived. It is a normal and necessary emotional response for survival. Like all emotions, anxiety includes multiple components:
Thoughts: "What if something goes wrong?"
Physical sensations: Racing heart, tight chest, sweaty palms
Behaviours: Avoiding situations, overpreparing, seeking reassurance
This makes anxiety a whole-body experience. While it's a helpful survival mechanism, it can also become overwhelming.
Explore more
When Does Anxiety Become a Problem?
We all feel anxious sometimes. But when anxiety becomes persistent, disproportionate, or starts disrupting your life, it might be a sign of an anxiety disorder.
Common signs that anxiety may be becoming a concern include:
Difficulty sleeping
Increased irritability or emotional numbness
Change in appetite
Fatigue
Social withdrawal
Loss of interest in hobbies
Clinically, anxiety disorders involve an ongoing pattern of overestimating threat and underestimating your ability to cope. These patterns can show up in various areas: relationships, work, health, and self-image.
In Singapore, about 4 in 100 experience an anxiety-related disorder in their lifetime. Globally, more than 301 million people are affected (WHO, 2023).
Note: It’s important to rule out medical causes first. Conditions like thyroid dysfunction, asthma, or heart issues can mimic anxiety symptoms. Always consult your GP as a first step.
What Does Anxiety Feel Like?
Anxiety can be sneaky. For some people, it can feel like panic or racing thoughts. For others, it shows up as chronic tension, fatigue, or brain fog.
If you’re noticing these symptoms regularly, therapy can help you understand what’s going on and learn how to manage them.
Infographic of what anxiety feels like? 6 common symptoms of anxiety.
How Therapy Can Help
A common thread in therapy for anxiety is learning to face your fears in a safe, supported way. Whether through challenging thoughts, practicing exposure, or reconnecting with your values, therapy helps you build confidence in your ability to cope.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Anxiety
The most researched therapy treatment for anxiety-related disorders is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). It focuses on identifying anxious thought patterns, challenging unhelpful beliefs, and experimenting with new behaviours to reduce avoidance and increase confidence.
You might learn to:
Identify automatic anxious thoughts
Reframe catastrophic thinking
Gradually face feared situations with support
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Anxiety
Other therapy types for anxiety have also been shown to be effective in managing anxious symptoms. This includes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT takes a slightly different approach than CBT. Rather than trying to get rid of anxious thoughts, ACT helps you notice them without getting entangled. It encourages living in alignment with your values, even when anxiety shows up.
You might learn to:
Use mindfulness skills to observe your thoughts
Accept discomfort as part of growth
Take meaningful action despite fear
When to Seek Therapy for Anxiety
You don't have to wait until things are unbearable. Therapy is helpful when:
You’re feeling stuck in worry or rumination
Anxiety is affecting sleep, work, or relationships
You’re avoiding things that matter to you
You’re tired of coping alone
Therapy offers a space to explore your experiences, build skills, and reconnect with what matters.
Infographic of when should you reach out for support? Signs you need support.
Final Thoughts
Anxiety is a part of being human. But when it starts to take over, it can feel exhausting and isolating. If you’ve been noticing racing thoughts, shallow breathing, or pulling away from things you care about, you’re not alone and it doesn’t have to stay this way.
Therapy offers a space to understand what’s going on beneath the surface, and to build tools that help you respond with more clarity and calm. Whether through Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), or another evidence-based approach, support is available.
You don’t need to wait until things get worse. You deserve support now. Reaching out is a strong and meaningful first step.
FAQs
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You don’t need a diagnosis to benefit from therapy.
If anxiety is affecting your daily life (e.g., your sleep, appetite, work, or relationships) you deserve support.
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That’s completely normal. Your therapist will move at your pace and help you feel safe. Therapy isn’t about being "fixed", it’s about understanding, support, and growth.
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Therapy might feel uncomfortable at first, especially as you explore challenging thoughts or feelings.
But with the right support, it becomes a space for relief and change.
Curious about therapy? Learn more about what your first therapy session might be like here.
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Yes, Ardelle Psychology offers in-person and telehealth sessions across Singapore and Australia. Click here to book a free 30 minutes Introduction Call.