10 Common Mental Health Issues Addressed by Counsellors
Last Updated on July 29, 2024 by TYHO Team
Reviewed by April Justice, LICSW
- Updated on 29 July 2024
Mental health is a big part of our lives. The state of our mind can affect how we think, feel, and handle situations every day.
Just like anyone can catch the flu, anyone can face mental health issues, too.
In this article, let us explore the 10 common mental health issues. Some of these include anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, and trauma.
We also share how TYHO counsellors in Singapore can help you manage these common mental health issues.
10 Common Mental Health Issues
1. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD is when a person finds it hard to pay attention, stay still, or control their actions more than other people their age.
People with ADHD have unique symptoms, and the signs can differ based on factors such as cultural upbringing, environment, etc. Some might have trouble focusing, while others might be very active or engage in impulsive behaviours.
Counsellors in Singapore can help people with ADHD. Counsellors use approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to help improve attention and control over actions.
Learning how to manage ADHD can make life easier at school, work, and home.
Also See: Do I Have ADHD or Am I Just Lazy
People express love in unique and different ways – all wrapped in beautiful layers of their upbringings, personalities, environments, and needs. Hence, do keep in mind that the love languages mentioned in this article are the five overarching themes of Chapman’s research – and not a universal determiner of love itself.
Lastly, love is so diverse that it appears and exists in cultures in ways so complex – yet so universally understood.
2. Eating Disorders
Eating disorders cause distress due to disorders and unhealthy relationships with food and one’s own body image.
If you have an eating disorder, you may suffer from several types of symptoms such as:
- Behavioural symptoms
- Emotional symptoms
- Physical symptoms
Moreover, risk factors such as weight bullying, body image issues, and beauty standards can further worsen the symptoms.
You May Like Reading: Mental Health and Body Positivity
During counselling in Singapore, you can expect to:
- Heal from your disordered eating
- Develop a positive self-image
- Regain healthy eating habits
At TYHO, we offer the below counselling services to help you cope with an eating disorder:
- Individual counselling
- Couples counselling
- Family counselling
Counsellors might also use effective therapeutic tools to help you think differently about food and yourself.
3. Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia Nervosa is a common mental health issue where someone doesn’t eat enough because they fear gaining weight.
Anyone, regardless of their age, ethnicity, or sex, can suffer from anorexia nervosa
People with anorexia see themselves as overweight, even if they are very thin. They eat extremely less and can become dangerously underweight.
This condition also affects how people see themselves and their bodies.
Getting help from professional counsellors is important for recovery. Counsellors in Singapore can offer support and personalised therapeutic plans to help someone start to eat more and feel better about themselves.
4. Anxiety Disorder
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a common mental health issue where someone worries too much about several aspects of life, such as:
- Health
- Work
- Relationships
The persistent worry is so strong that it can make daily tasks harder to accomplish and affect a person’s interpersonal relationships.
Although GAD is a long-term condition, TYHO Therapists can help you in managing and overcoming anxiety.
Therapists may use expert tools to help you:
- Reframe negative thoughts
- Manage and control your emotions
- Set realistic couple goals
- Learn effective self-care tips for mental health
Therapy can also help in improving relationships with family, work colleagues, and friends.
5. Social Anxiety
Social anxiety disorder is a common mental health issue and involves intense fear of social situations.
Some of the common symptoms include:
- Fear of being judged or embarrassed in public
- Avoiding social gatherings
- Difficulty speaking in groups
- Fear of meeting new people
- Worrying for days before a social event
Counsellors at TYHO use scientific tools such as solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) to help clients:
- Identify emotional and social triggers
- Overcome negative thinking patterns
- Develop solutions to overcome social anxiety
Seeking help from a counsellor in Singapore can significantly improve confidence and reduce the impact of social anxiety on daily life.
6. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is a common mental health issue where people may have unwanted thoughts (ie obsessions) and engage in compulsive behaviours to cope with the thoughts (ie compulsions).
Symptoms include:
- Constant, intrusive thoughts
- Repeatedly checking things (like locks or stove)
- Excessive cleaning or handwashing
- Arranging items in a specific way
- Repeating actions a certain number of times
Based on the specific type of OCD, your counsellor in Singapore may help you overcome and resist the compulsions.
Counselling can be crucial in managing OCD and improving quality of life.
7. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a common mental health issue and can occur after and during a traumatic event.
Symptoms include:
- Vivid flashbacks of the trauma
- Severe anxiety and constant alertness
- Nightmares and disturbed sleep
- Avoidance of anything related to the trauma
Counsellors at TYHO use several types of trauma-informed approaches to help you process and heal from your trauma.
Using techniques like exposure therapy, your counsellor may help you address your trauma to gradually reduce the fear in a controlled environment.
8. Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a common mental health issue characterised by extreme mood swings. The disorder includes two major types of moods: mania and depression.
Common symptoms include:
- High energy and euphoria during manic phases
- Impulsive or reckless behaviours
- Deep sadness and lack of energy during depressive phases
- Difficulty in concentrating and making decisions
Counsellors in Singapore may use cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help:
- Change your negative thought patterns
- Control and manage your emotions
- Improve romantic relationships
- Improve relationships with your family members
9. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
BPD is a common mental health issue that can cause emotional dysregulation (ie unable to manage or control emotions) and affect relationships.
Symptoms include:
- Fear of abandonment
- Intense, unstable relationships
- Impulsive actions
- Extreme emotional swings
- Chronic feelings of emptiness
- Self-harm or suicidal behaviour
Counsellors use proven techniques such as dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) to improve emotional regulation.
Importantly, through tools such as DBT and CBT, you may learn how to manage your emotions, replace negative thoughts, and improve your relationships.
You May Like Reading: Overcoming Mental Health Illness Through Counselling
10. Addictions
Addiction (ie substance and non-substance) is a common mental health issue that involves a compulsive need for substances or engaging in harmful behaviours despite harmful consequences.
Common symptoms include:
- Craving the substance or behaviour
- Loss of control over usage
- Withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit
- Neglecting responsibilities and relationships
Counsellors may use SFBT to identify triggers and develop effective solutions to overcome addiction.
Based on the type of addiction (ie substance and non-substance), your counsellor may choose one or several tools to help you.
Visit our Singapore counsellors page to seek help today.
You are not alone!
Takeaway
Mental health plays a big role in our daily lives, affecting how we think, feel, and act. Just like catching the flu, anyone can face mental health issues such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, and trauma.
All mental health issues have unique symptoms and challenges. Hence, a counsellor may use a personalised therapeutic plan to help with any particular issues. For example, a person with borderline personality disorder may find it helpful to engage in dialectical behavioural therapy.
TYHO counsellors in Singapore offer various therapeutic approaches to help manage these conditions, improving quality of life and making everyday tasks easier.
