When your mind won't switch off

Anxiety can make an ordinary day feel like a series of things waiting to go wrong.

At IASH, our counsellors help you understand what's driving it — and find your way back to steadier ground.

(In person at our Bishan centre, or online)

Maybe it starts before you've even opened your eyes — that low hum of dread about a day that hasn't happened yet. You reply to the message, then read it back four times wondering if you said the wrong thing. You're tired, but sleep feels like one more thing your mind refuses to cooperate with.

From the outside, you might look like you're managing fine. People might even call you reliable, on top of things. But inside, a lot of your energy is going toward holding it together — and that's exhausting in a way that's hard to explain to anyone who hasn't felt it.

If any of this sounds familiar, you're not imagining it, and you're not overreacting. What you're describing has a name, it's far more common in Singapore than most people let on, and it responds well to the right kind of support.

Anxiety shows up differently for everyone

You may be experiencing some of these, if not all:

A constant sense of worry that's hard to switch off, even when things are objectively okay

Physical signs — a racing heart, tight chest, restlessness, trouble sleeping

Overthinking decisions, replaying conversations, bracing for worst-case scenarios

Avoiding situations, people, or tasks because the anticipation feels unbearable

Feeling on edge or irritable without quite knowing why

None of this means something is wrong with you. It means something in your life or your nervous system is asking for attention — and that's exactly what counselling is built for.

Anxiety Counselling at IASH