Anxiety is far more common among Singaporean adults than many realise. A national survey in 2022 found that 15.2 per cent of adults experienced symptoms indicative of anxiety, and nearly one in five participants screened positive for anxiety, depression, or both (Chodavadia et al., 2023). Yet many have never received a formal diagnosis.
Why, then, do so many people continue to struggle in silence? The reasons are rooted in cultural expectations, perceptions of mental illness, and practical barriers to seeking help.
Cultural Pressures: The Weight of “Saving Face”
In Singapore, the concept of “saving face” remains deeply influential. Admitting to emotional or psychological difficulties can still be perceived as a sign of weakness. Individuals may fear judgment or feel that they are letting down their family by appearing unable to cope.
For many adults, acknowledging anxiety may feel like admitting personal failure. This belief often leads people to keep their concerns internalised rather than seek help, even when symptoms become disruptive.
Lack of Awareness and Misconceptions
Although mental health literacy in Singapore has improved over time, misconceptions remain widespread. Many still interpret anxiety as “just stress” or as something that should be managed independently. These beliefs lead individuals to minimise their symptoms, dismiss the possibility of an actual condition, or delay seeking help until the problem becomes overwhelming.
This avoidance reinforces a cycle of silence, allowing anxiety to worsen without early intervention.
Practical Barriers: Where to Turn, and What Seeking Help Means
Practical concerns also contribute to why adults hide anxiety. Some worry about confidentiality, costs, or the potential impact on their careers. Others are unsure where to find professional support.
Despite growing openness towards help-seeking, many adults in Singapore still prefer to confide in friends rather than seek formal services. While this reliance on informal support alone may provide temporary comfort, it often fails to address the underlying cognitive and emotional patterns that fuel anxiety.
Among those who do seek help, many benefit from psychological tests and assessments, which can help clarify the nature and severity of their condition and guide personalised treatment options.
Why This Silence Matters: The Hidden Cost
When anxiety remains unaddressed, the effects extend beyond emotional discomfort. Chronic anxiety can impair concentration, relationships, work performance, and physical health. Research has identified a significant treatment gap in Singapore, with many people experiencing anxiety or depression not receiving timely care (Subramaniam et al., 2019).
Without intervention, symptoms can worsen and become harder to treat. Early recognition and open communication are therefore essential for breaking the cycle of avoidance and improving long-term outcomes.
How Singaporean Adults Can Cope and Why Seeking Support Matters
Acknowledge and Name What You Feel
Recognition is the foundation of coping. Anxiety does not always present as panic. It may manifest as persistent worry, difficulty sleeping, irritability, or unexplained physical tension. Naming it helps reduce self-blame and increase clarity.
Build a Healthy Routine
Daily habits play a significant role in managing anxiety. Balanced sleep, regular physical activity, mindful breathing, and reduced overstimulation can support emotional steadiness. Small, consistent changes often lead to meaningful improvements.
Reach Out for Support
Talking to someone you trust can relieve emotional pressure, but if symptoms persist, seeking professional help can be life-changing. Therapy for depression in Singapore provides structured guidance to help individuals understand triggers, manage anxious thoughts, and develop long-term coping skills, especially for those experiencing both anxiety and depression.
Challenge Stigma for Yourself and Others
Talking openly about mental health reduces shame and encourages others to share their struggles. By speaking out, individuals help reshape societal norms and reduce stigma for future generations.
Looking Ahead: A Collective Responsibility
Individual coping strategies are valuable, but broader societal and institutional support is equally important. Singapore continues to expand mental health education and services, yet further progress is needed in affordability, accessibility, and early intervention.
Workplace mental health policies, community outreach, and public education play vital roles in shifting perceptions and reducing barriers to care. A mentally healthy society requires shared responsibility among families, employers, institutions, and individuals alike.
Conclusion
Anxiety among Singaporean adults is widespread, yet often concealed due to cultural pressures, misconceptions, and practical barriers. Hiding anxiety comes at both a personal and societal cost. Recognising symptoms early and seeking appropriate support can lead to meaningful, lasting change.
If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent anxiety, reaching out for professional help is a powerful first step. ImPossible Psychological Services provides compassionate, evidence-based care to support individuals on their journey towards emotional wellbeing.
References
Chodavadia, P., Teo, I., Poremski, D., Fung, D. S. S., & Finkelstein, E. A. (2023). Prevalence and economic burden of depression and anxiety symptoms among Singaporean adults: results from a 2022 web panel. BMC Psychiatry, 23(1), 104. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-023-04581-7
Subramaniam, M., Abdin, E., Vaingankar, J. A., Shafie, S., Chua, H. C., Tan, W. M., Tan, K. B., Verma, S., Heng, D., & Chong, S. A. (2019). Minding the treatment gap: Results of the Singapore Mental Health Study. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 55(11), 1415–1424. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-019-01748-0