There is such misunderstanding around panic attacks and panic disorder that the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) has a dedicated day on the national health calendar committed to raising awareness.
Sadag also looks to address the stigma and shame that is linked to it, and to provide support for this treatable condition that affects so many South Africans.
“Panic disorder can be a terrifying illness that can cause great distress, isolation, and limits your life. Don’t suffer in silence and alone,” said Zane Wilson from Sadag.
“There is help and treatment. And there are people who understand. Remember that attacks always end and panic is not dangerous. So don’t let panic win. You can take control back of your life again.
“A panic attack is a sudden surge of overwhelming fear that comes without warning and without any obvious reason. It is far more intense than the feeling of being ‘stressed out’ that most people experience.
“Some of these attacks are on a frequent or regular basis that may stop you going to the shops, or to work, or to movies, or going out in public.”
Clinical psychologist and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) expert, Dr Colinda Linde said: “During a panic attack, the individual usually thinks something like ‘I am having a heart attack’ or ‘I am going insane’, but may not be aware of how those thoughts affect, even exacerbate, the attack’s symptoms .
“During CBT, people learn to recognize their earliest thoughts and feeling and modify their response to them – instead of ‘I’m going to have a heart attack’. Rather think and say ‘it’s only uneasiness – it will pass.
“It really does help to reduce the anxiety and ward off a panic attack,” said Linde.
For more information visits these sites:
▪ Learn more about Panic Attacks in a short video by SADAG founder, Zane Wilson
▪ What Is Panic Disorder and who suffers from Panic Disorder Handout
▪ Panic FAQs
▪ Learn more about Breathing Techniques to Cope through a Panic Attack in an online video by Dr Colinda Linde.
▪ Click here for simple controlled breathing techniques
▪ What to do if a family member has an Anxiety Disorder Handout.
▪ Click here to read more about celebrities living with Anxiety.
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