Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal stress response, but when worry or fear becomes persistent, disproportionate, or hard to control, it crosses into a disorder. Generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety, and panic disorder are among the most common mental-health conditions affecting adults across Asia, including expats adjusting to a new country, culture, or work environment.
Medicines used to treat Anxiety
What anxiety feels like
Anxiety shows up differently in different people. Common experiences include:
- Persistent, intrusive worry about everyday situations
- Muscle tension, restlessness, or a sense of being on edge
- Sleep difficulties, fatigue, or trouble concentrating
- Physical symptoms such as racing heart, shortness of breath, or stomach upset
- Avoidance of situations that trigger fear
Panic attacks, brief but intense episodes of fear with physical symptoms like chest tightness and dizziness, can also occur.
Managing anxiety
Talking therapies, particularly cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), are a first-line approach and widely available in major cities across Southeast and East Asia. Lifestyle factors also matter: regular physical activity, reduced caffeine, and consistent sleep have meaningful effects.
Where medicine is part of the plan, options within the mental health category include agents that work in different ways. Hydroxyzine is a fast-acting antihistamine with a calming effect, often used for situational anxiety. Doxepin, also used in allergy relief, has sedating properties that can help when anxiety disrupts sleep.
When to seek help
Most anxiety is manageable with the right support. Reach out to a doctor or mental-health professional if worry is affecting your work, relationships, or daily life for more than a few weeks. If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm, contact a crisis line: in Singapore call SOS on 1767; in Hong Kong the Samaritans are on 2382 0000; in Thailand call 1323.