Latest news with #ColindaLinde
IOL News
7 days ago
- Health
- IOL News
The silent struggle of panic attacks: how South Africans cope daily
Panic attacks are a mental health condition characterised by unexpected, intense episodes of fear and physical discomfort, which can feel utterly disabling. Image: Pavel Danilyuk /pexels July marks Mental Health Awareness Month in South Africa, and on 10 July, we pause to spotlight something many people live with but few talk about openly: panic attacks. But here's the thing, panic doesn't always look the way you might imagine. Sometimes it's loud and visible; other times, it hides behind a composed face, a polite smile or an empty chair at the dinner table. This year, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has chosen a theme that couldn't be more real: 'The Panic You Don't See.' It reminds us that panic disorder and anxiety are not always about gasping for air or clutching your chest in public. It's a mental health condition marked by unexpected, intense episodes of fear and physical discomfort that can feel utterly disabling. Often, it's the silent dread, the racing heartbeat in the middle of a meeting, or the countless invitations quietly declined. 'Panic doesn't always look like gasping for air, it can be the quiet no‑shows, the life slowly shrinking behind closed doors, says Dr Colinda Linde, SADAG board chairperson and clinical psychologist. "On Panic Day, let's speak up about the panic you don't see, because naming it is the first step to overcoming it.' Panic attacks can manifest loudly and visibly, or they can be concealed behind a composed expression, a polite smile, or even an empty seat at the dinner table. Image: MART PRODUCTION What does panic really feel like? If you've never had a panic attack, it can feel almost impossible to picture. Imagine suddenly feeling an overwhelming wave of fear or dread, even when nothing around you seems obviously wrong. You might feel your heart race, your chest tighten, or your breath catch. Some people feel dizzy, shaky, or disconnected from reality, like watching life through frosted glass. And while these feelings are intensely real and terrifying, the outside world might see someone who looks completely fine. That gap between what's happening inside and what's visible outside can make living with panic disorder deeply isolating. Why can panic stay hidden? Linde explains that people with panic disorder often become experts at masking their distress, especially in public or professional spaces. Every day, moments can feel overwhelming. But from the outside, it just looks like someone who is composed. And for many South Africans, especially men, the pressure to 'hold it together' can be even greater. This silent struggle can lead to self-isolation, as individuals avoid situations that might trigger an attack. Over time, their world shrinks, impacting relationships, work, and overall well-being. SADAG founder Zane Wilson, who battled panic attacks for over a decade, shares: 'Panic Disorder can be a terrifying illness that causes great distress, isolation, and limits your life. For years, I suffered in silence. "But with the right treatment and support, I was able to recover fully and take back control of my life.'
TimesLIVE
10-07-2025
- Health
- TimesLIVE
'The panic you don't see': Sadag shines light on silent struggles this Panic Awareness Day
As South Africa observes panic awareness day on Thursday, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) is calling for greater understanding of panic attacks, saying not all battles are visible. In its 2025 campaign titled 'The Panic You Don't See', Sadag aims to highlight the silent, internal experiences of those living with panic disorder. While some symptoms of panic attacks, such as gasping for air or visibly shaking may be obvious, Sadag said many others are hidden behind a calm exterior. 'As we approach Panic Awareness Day, it's crucial to highlight 'The Panic You Don't See'. For many, panic attacks involve visible symptoms, but for others, they are silent, internal battles that go unnoticed by those around them.' Panic attacks can strike suddenly, marked by intense fear or discomfort. Not all symptoms are physical; they can also manifest as racing thoughts, a sense of detachment from reality, overwhelming dread or difficulty breathing, while the individual appears outwardly composed. Sadag board chairperson and clinical psychologist Colinda Linde emphasised the importance of recognising these subtle signs. 'Panic doesn't always look like gasping for air. It can be the quiet no-shows, invitations declined, 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 overcoming it.' The organisation urged people not to mistake the absence of visible distress for wellness. 'Often, people with panic disorder may experience a feeling of being trapped, a desperate urge to escape, or fear of losing control, while maintaining a calm outside.' In a heartfelt plea to address gender-related stigma, Sadag board member Nkini Phasha said the pressure for men to hide emotional struggles has contributed to a mental health crisis. 'When it comes to men and mental health in South Africa, we are facing a silent pandemic. Mental health conditions such as panic disorder and other anxiety-related conditions are often hidden behind a mask of masculinity,' said Phasha. 'We suffer in silence because we fear the stigma to be judged by society as not being a 'real' man. But mental health issues do not discriminate based on gender. It is not a weakness to suffer from panic disorder as a man, it's only human.' Sadag's founding traces back to a deeply personal struggle as the organisation's founder Zane Wilson suffered from panic disorder for more than a decade before receiving help and recovering. 'Panic disorder can be a terrifying illness that can cause great distress, isolation and limit your life. I experienced panic for more than 10 years and I kept it a secret from most people,' said Wilson. 'With the right treatment and support, eventually I was able to recover fully and take back control of my life. I started Sadag in 1994 to help others living with anxiety and panic. I got the help I needed and so can you.' To deepen awareness, Sadag will host a free live webinar on Thursday (July 10) at 6.30pm. A panel of mental health experts will discuss coping strategies, lived experiences and how to support loved ones facing panic disorders. The session will be held via Zoom and streamed live on Sadag's Facebook page. The organisation encouraged the public to approach panic disorder with compassion and understanding and to support those around them, even if their struggles are not immediately visible.
eNCA
11-05-2025
- Health
- eNCA
Balancing work and motherhood
JOHANNESBURG - It's Mother's Day and many mother's have often experienced mom guilt. WATCH: Mother's Day | Busy moms reminded that rest is essential Some more than others when they return to formal employment. Dr Colinda Linde, a clinical psychologist is also the author of Get the Balance Right: Coping Strategies for Working Moms. She discussed the balancing act expected of mothers with eNCA.
