Mental health, sleep & habits

Feeling low, worried or overwhelmed for weeks at a time is common, and it can be treated. The doctor listens, asks about your mood, sleep, work and relationships, checks for physical causes and asks about your safety.

Together you agree a plan. It may include talking therapy, lifestyle steps, medication where appropriate, and regular follow-up. We refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist when more support is needed.

A panic attack can feel like a heart attack: a racing heart, chest tightness, shortness of breath, shaking and a sense of dread. The doctor first checks for medical causes, which may include an ECG.

Once a medical emergency has been ruled out, the doctor explains what happened and how to manage future attacks, and arranges a follow-up appointment if attacks keep coming back. Our Sengkang clinic sees walk-in patients 24 hours a day.

Long-term insomnia often has a mix of causes, such as stress, low mood, pain, shift work, caffeine or other medical conditions. The doctor looks at these first and may ask you to keep a sleep diary.

Treatment is based on cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), which helps you change the habits and thoughts that keep poor sleep going. Sleeping pills are not the main treatment and are not prescribed on request. If medication is ever considered, it is only for a short time after a full assessment.

Loud snoring, pauses in breathing at night and daytime sleepiness can be signs of obstructive sleep apnoea. The doctor assesses your symptoms and risk factors, and we refer you for a sleep study to confirm the diagnosis.

If you are diagnosed, we work with partner sleep services on your treatment, such as a CPAP machine, and review how you are getting on with it. Weight, blood pressure and other related conditions are managed at the clinic.

Stopping smoking can be hard, and support can help. The doctor talks through your smoking or vaping habits, what has and has not worked before, and sets a quit date with you.

Support may include nicotine replacement therapy or other stop-smoking medicines where suitable, with follow-up visits through the first weeks.

If you are worried about how much you drink, the doctor can talk it through without judgement, check for effects on your health, such as liver blood tests, and help you set a goal.

If you drink heavily every day, do not stop suddenly without medical advice, as withdrawal can be dangerous. People at risk of severe withdrawal are referred to specialist or hospital services for monitored care.