10 Common Mental Health Issues Addressed by Singaporean Counsellors

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, we explore 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.  

Introduction to TYHO

TYHO provides in-person and online therapy in Singapore. Our platform connects clients to vetted and experienced Psychotherapists, Psychologists, and Counsellors in Singapore. We refer to all our mental health professionals collectively as "Therapists", given the overlap in their scopes of practice. A majority of our Therapists are members of recognised bodies such as the Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC) and the Singapore Psychological Society (SPS). If you'd like help with selecting someone suitable, WhatsApp us at +65 9831 0005 or email us at [email protected].

10 Common Mental Health Issues

1) Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect attention, activity levels, and impulse regulation. 

People with ADHD may experience challenges with focus, organisation, or restlessness, although these experiences can vary widely from person to person.

The way ADHD presents can differ depending on individual factors such as environment, upbringing, and daily demands. Some individuals may find it harder to sustain attention, while others may notice increased energy levels or act more impulsively in certain situations. 

Counsellors and psychologists can support people with ADHD. Counsellors may use approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to build practical strategies for managing attention, organisation, and behaviour in a way that feels realistic and supportive. 

2) Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that can affect a person’s relationship with food, eating behaviours, and body image. 

These experiences can look different for each individual and may involve a combination of emotional, behavioural, and physical aspects.

Some people may notice:

• Changes in eating patterns
• Increased concern about body image
• Distress related to food and self-perception

These experiences can be influenced by a range of factors, including personal experiences, social environments, and cultural messaging. 

Seeking professional support is an important step. During psychotherapy in Singapore, therapists provide a safe and respectful space to: 

• Develop a more balanced relationship with food
• Improve self-understanding and build a positive self-image
• Build coping strategies that support overall wellbeing

Counsellors might also use effective therapeutic tools to help you think differently about food and yourself. Alternatively, if eating disorders are affecting your relationship, you may also wish to speak with a couples counsellor in Singapore. 

3) Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia Nervosa is a type of eating disorder that can involve changes in eating behaviours, concerns about weight or body image, and a strong need for control around food.

These experiences may vary from person to person and can affect individuals across different ages, backgrounds, and identities.

People experiencing anorexia may have a complex relationship with food and how they perceive their bodies. These patterns can also be connected to emotional, psychological, and social factors.

Seeking support from professional counsellors is important for recovery. Counsellors in Singapore can offer support and personalised therapeutic plans to help someone better understand their relationship with food, body image, and overall wellbeing. Support is typically tailored to the individual’s needs, with a focus on building understanding, developing coping strategies, and improving overall quality of life over time.

4) Anxiety Disorder

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a condition where individuals may experience ongoing or heightened worry about different areas of life, such as: 

• Health
• Work
• Relationships 

This sense of worry can sometimes feel difficult to manage and may affect daily functioning, decision-making and interpersonal relationships. People may also notice patterns such as overthinking, procrastination and avoidance of certain tasks, or feeling mentally and physically tense. These experiences can vary in intensity and may change over time. 

Counselling can provide a supportive space to better understand anxiety and how it shows up in daily life. Trained therapists may use structured approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), to help you:

• Recognise and reframe thought patterns
• Build coping strategies to manage emotions
• Respond to stress in more manageable ways
• Learn effective self-care tips for mental health 

Seeking counselling can also help in improving relationships with family, work colleagues, and friends.  

5) Social Anxiety

Social anxiety disorder is a common mental health issue that involves significant fear or discomfort in social situations, where individuals may worry about being judged, embarrassed, or negatively evaluated by others. 

These feelings can vary in intensity and may affect different areas of daily life. Some common experiences may include:

•  Feeling anxious about speaking in groups or public settings
• Avoiding social gatherings and unfamiliar environments
• Difficulty speaking in groups
• Feeling anxious in dating or relationship-related situations
• Feeling uncomfortable when meeting new people
• Experiencing worry leading up to social events 

Counsellors at TYHO may use scientific tools such as Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to help clients: 

• Identify emotional and social triggers (eg, peer pressure and FOMO)
• Overcome unhelpful thinking patterns
• Develop coping strategies to overcome social anxiety 

Seeking help from an individual counsellor can significantly improve confidence and reduce the impact of social anxiety on daily life. You may also consider gentle exposure through group counselling.

6) Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD is one of the common mental health issues in Singapore. People with OCD may experience intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) that a person may feel driven to perform in response to distress.

Some commonly experienced symptoms include: 

• Intrusive or distressing thoughts that feel difficult to control
• Repeated checking behaviours (like locks or stove)
• Excessive cleaning or handwashing
• Strong need for order, symmetry, or arrangement
• Repeating actions or routines in a specific way 

Based on the specific type of OCD, your counsellor in Singapore may work collaboratively with you to develop strategies for managing distress and reducing the impact of compulsive cycles over time.

Counselling is typically tailored to individual needs, with a focus on improving functioning and quality of life.

7) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is a common mental health issue that may develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic or distressing event. Responses to trauma can vary significantly from person to person.

Some common experiences may include:

• Intrusive memories or flashbacks related to the event
• Heightened anxiety or feeling constantly on alert
• Nightmares and disturbed sleep
• Emotional distress when recalling or encountering triggers 
• Avoidance of anything related to the trauma 

Counsellors at TYHO use several types of trauma-informed approaches to support emotional regulation, grounding, and gradual processing of difficult memories. 

Using techniques like exposure therapy, your therapist may help create safety, develop coping strategies, and regain a sense of stability and control over time.

8) Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a common mental health issue characterised by significant shifts in mood, energy levels, and activity. These changes may include periods of elevated mood (mania) and energy as well as periods of low mood and reduced motivation (depression).

Common symptoms include: 

• Periods of increased energy, activity, or restlessness 
• Impulsive or fast-paced decision-making during elevated phases
• Periods of low mood, fatigue, or reduced interest in activities
• Difficulty concentrating or maintaining routines

Counsellors may use cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help: 

• Recognise your thought and behaviour patterns
• Manage your emotions through coping strategies
• Improve romantic relationships
• Improve relationships with your friends and family members 

Counselling may also help with strengthening communication and relational skills, depending on individual needs and circumstances.
 

9) Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

BPD is a common mental health issue that can involve difficulties with emotional regulation, self-image, and interpersonal relationships.

Experiences can vary widely from person to person in terms of intensity and presentation. Some commonly reported experiences may include: 

• Fear of abandonment
• Intense or shifting relationships
• Impulsive behaviours during periods of emotional distress 
• Rapid changes in mood or emotional intensity
• Persistent feelings of emptiness
• Self-harming behaviors or thoughts of self-harm

Your Singapore counsellor may use proven evidence-informed approaches such as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) to help develop skills in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness.

Counselling focuses on building emotional awareness, improving coping strategies, and supporting more stable and meaningful relationships over time.  

10) Addictions

Addiction (ie substance and non-substance) is a common mental health issue that involves a strong and persistent urge to engage in certain substances or behaviours, even when they begin to have negative effects on a person’s wellbeing, relationships, or daily functioning.

Some commonly reported symptoms may include:

• Strong cravings or urges related to the substance or behaviour 
• Difficulty reducing or controlling use despite wanting to 
• Emotional or physical discomfort when stopping or reducing
• Impact on responsibilities, relationships, or daily routines 

Counsellors may use SFBT to identify triggers, develop effective coping strategies, and support behaviour change over time. The focus of support is on understanding patterns without judgment, developing healthier coping mechanisms, and improving overall wellbeing. 

Based on the type of addiction (ie substance and non-substance), your counsellor may choose one or several types of counselling to help you. 

Explore our guide to counselling in Singapore to get started on your mental health journey. 

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.