As anxiety is becoming increasingly prevalent in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven society, Dimensions organised a church-wide talk on Understanding Anxiety by Dr. Vincent Wong, a consultant psychiatrist and board member of Focus on the Family. Held on Saturday, 7 March 2026, more than 200 people attended the knowledge-sharing session. 

Dr. Vincent provided a comprehensive overview of anxiety, offering helpful insights into the evolution of fear, survival instincts, and used the “circle of safety and security” to explain how the brain responds to perceived threats. He noted that living in an age defined by distraction and individualism has fuelled a rise in anxiety, juxtaposing modern society with a time when slower paces and family-oriented communities provided more natural security.

Drawing connections between anxiety and our faith, Dr Vincent also shared what Scripture reveals about fear and the mind. He quoted Billy Graham who once said, “The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes and say, “O God, forgive me or help me.”  This is reminder that even the strongest believers experience moments of discouragement and anxiety, and that turning to God in prayer is an essential response in such times.

A key insight from the session was the identification of two fundamental emotional needs: unconditional love and acceptance, and a firm sense of identity. When these needs are unmet, it can lead to insecurity and suppressed fears, resulting in compensatory behaviours that form a “personage” — a sort of external façade, which manifests through common anxiety responses known as the ‘3Fs’: Fight, Flight and Freeze. 

These may present as anger, controlling behaviour, avoidance, paranoia or emotional exhaustion. Such reactions are often the result of an “amygdala hijack,” where the brain’s limbic system overrides rational thinking, triggering instinctive emotional responses. 

Anxiety may be more prevalent among Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs), who are more attuned to sensory input, emotions and social dynamics. Additionally, factors such as childhood trauma and emotional neglect can contribute significantly to anxiety.

While anxiety is a common human experience, Dr. Vincent emphasised the importance of discerning between everyday anxiety and clinical anxiety. He encouraged those who are struggling to seek professional assessment, guiding participants through a grounding exercise and introducing the range of medical treatments, counselling approaches and therapy options available today.

More importantly, recovery is most effective through a holistic lens. Beyond medical and psychological support, social reinforcement through care groups alongside pastoral guidance, remains vital to the healing process. 

The acronym A.C.T.I.V.E summaries the holistic pathway:
●    Abide in Him – cultivating a life rooted in Christ 
●    Community of faith – walking alongside others in support and accountability 
●    Think healthy and realistic thoughts – renewing the mind with truth 
●    Inner healing – addressing deeper emotional and spiritual wounds 
●    Value safe relationships – building trust and connection 
●    Eat, exercise, and sleep well – stewarding physical health

Pastor David Seah closed the session with pastoral encouragement, praying for those battling anxiety and those journeying with them. While the topic of anxiety is vast, we left with a deeper understanding of its complexities and a renewed call to respond with empathy and compassion toward those who are struggling. As a church, we are reminded of our role to be a pillar of spiritual support—journeying with one another in love, grace, and truth. 

While the world presents many causes for anxiety, we hold fast to Jesus’ words to His disciples in John 16:33: “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” In Him, we find a steady hope that anchors our hearts even in the midst of anxious moments.