Sadag to host Facebook chat on Panic Awareness

The chat will take place on 10 July and will see clinical psychologists Tyrone Edgar and David Rosenstein address issues around panic attacks.

Meryl da Costa, press liaison officer at Sadag, explained that the chats and other material would allow those with limited financial resources to get answers to pressing questions on the health issue.

“Helpful psycho-educational videos will [also] be made available on the group’s website, one by Dr Colinda Linde is already on the front page,” she said.

Da Costa also highlighted a few self-help tips those affected by the disorder can use to help, including avoiding certain weight-loss drugs and being self-educated on the illness.

“It’s also important to not isolate yourself, and join or form a social support network to assist,” she added.

The Facebook Friday chat with Edgar will take place between 1 and 2pm and the one with Rosenstein will take place from 7 to 8pm.

Other self-help tips include:

•  [Take] deep breaths, inhale through your nose, hold the breath, exhale through the mouth
•  Avoid caffeine! Check over the counter medication or scripts, there must be no caffeine or adrenalin. Do not take malaria medication without checking your dose, and be careful when you go to a dentist, advise your dentist you have a panic disorder and ask him to have non-adrenalin in stock for you
•  Some weight-loss drugs should also be avoided
•  Educate yourself, know your illness so you can manage it effectively. Sadag’s website has a lot of helpful advice
•  Always have two or three numbers you can call if you are in the middle of a panic attack. Remember your panic attacks do not last as long as you think
•  Ask for help. You are not alone! Sadag will offer you referrals, resources and support.

Details: For assistance, contact the new anxiety and depression helpline on 0800 70 80 or visit www.sadag.org

Do you experience panic attacks often? Share your experience on our Facebook page