As South Africa marks Panic Awareness Day on 10 July, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is urging society to delve deeper into the complexities of panic attacks, revealing that often, these episodes manifest far from the public eye.
As awareness grows, the crucial message resounds, understanding and support from loved ones are vital in navigating these silent battles. It is explained that panic attacks are typically marked by sudden, intense fear or discomfort, causing significant distress.
While some symptoms, such as gasping for air, can be visibly alarming, many individuals experience invisible symptoms that can include a racing heart, intense dread, a feeling of detachment, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Astonishingly, an individual may appear completely composed on the outside while internally wrestling with debilitating fear.
SADAG Board Chairperson and Clinical Psychologist, Dr Colinda Linde, aptly illustrates this duality, stating, “Panic doesn’t always look like gasping for air—it can be the quiet no-shows, invitations declined, and the life slowly shrinking behind closed doors. On Panic Day, let’s speak up about the panic you don’t see, because naming it is the first step to health.”
It is also explained that this internal conflict can obstruct daily activities: grocery shopping, attending work meetings, driving, or engaging in social scenarios may evolve into daunting challenges.
For those grappling with "the panic you don’t see", seeking help isn’t simply brave; it's imperative for recovery. Recognising that panic disorders are treatable and do not stem from personal failure is the first, crucial step towards healing. Equally important is extending non-judgemental support to friends, family, or colleagues silently enduring such hardships.
The societal stigma surrounding mental health conditions, especially among men, further complicates this struggle. SADAG Board Member Nkini Phasha states, “When it comes to men and mental health in South Africa, we are facing a silent pandemic. Mental health conditions such as panic disorder are often hidden behind a mask of masculinity.”
Phasha continues to challenge the notion that vulnerability equates to weakness, emphasising that it is essential to cultivate acceptance and open dialogue about mental health among men.
Founder of SADAG, Zane Wilson, shares his own journey, highlighting the crippling isolation that panic disorder can impose. “Panic disorder can be a terrifying illness,” he says. “I experienced panic for over ten years in silence. With the right treatment and support, I was able to recover fully and take back control of my life.” This personal narrative underscores the organisation's mission to assist others in similar circumstances, proving that recovery is possible.
This Panic Awareness Day, SADAG is committed to sharing vital information and coping strategies across social media platforms and is hosting a webinar at 18:30, which will be available on Zoom and live-streamed on their Facebook page. This initiative aims to foster a community of support and understanding, standing testament to the importance of addressing mental health with compassion and dignity.
Saturday Star