Panic Doesn't Have to Take Over Your Life - Recovery and help is available

For many people living with Panic Disorder, the fear of another Panic Attack can quietly begin to take control of their lives.

Everyday activities that once felt routine can become increasingly difficult as they try to avoid situations where another attack might happen.

Ahead of Panic Awareness Day on 10 July 2026, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is encouraging South Africans to recognise the hidden impact of Panic Disorder and panic attacks, understand the avoidance behaviours that often develop alongside them, and know that Panic Disorder is highly treatable and recovery is possible.

Panic Attacks are sudden and overwhelming experiences that can involve symptoms such as a racing heart, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, shaking, sweating, nausea, feelings of unreality, or an intense fear of losing control, dying, or "going crazy".

Although Panic Attacks are not dangerous, they can feel terrifyingly real whilst they last.

"Panic doesn't just happen during the attack itself," explains SADAG's Operations Director, Cassey Chambers.

"For many people, the fear of having another attack becomes just as debilitating as the attack itself.

People begin avoiding places, situations and experiences out of fear that they might experience another Panic Attack."

The Story Behind SADAG

For SADAG, Panic Awareness Day carries particular significance because Panic Disorder lies at the very heart of the organisation's story.

More than three decades ago, SADAG Founder, Zane Wilson, spent almost ten years searching for answers as Panic Disorder gradually took control of her life.

The fear of experiencing another Panic Attack became so overwhelming that she was unable to drive alone, go grocery shopping, visit restaurants, go to the movies, or be left by herself.

At work, she needed someone to sit with her in her office.

At home, she would wait at a neighbour's house until her husband returned because being alone felt impossible.

Like so many people, there was the constant fear of having another one time after time.

After years of searching for the correct diagnosis, a conversation with a new Psychiatrist, Prof Mike Berk, would change not only her life but the lives of millions of South Africans.

"What if you started a Support Group? What if you helped other people who were going through what you had experienced?"

That simple conversation, held between a patient and her doctor, became the beginning of SADAG.

Zane shares, "Panic Disorder took away my independence, my confidence and my freedom.

I organised my entire life around avoiding more Panic Attacks.

I live a full and productive life, and my greatest hope is that others know they do not have to face Panic alone, with or without a Medical Scheme, there is hope available and even some Support Groups.”

Panic Disorder Is Treatable

The good news is that Panic Disorder is one of the most treatable Mental Health conditions, and recovery is possible.

Evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), but for some people, medication may also form an important part of treatment and can be discussed with a general practitioner or psychiatrist as part of a workable care plan.

According to SADAG Board Chairperson and Clinical Psychologist, Dr Colinda Linde, "We have extremely effective treatments available for Panic Disorder today.

With the correct diagnosis, evidence-based treatment and professional support, people can and do recover.

The earlier someone reaches out for help, the sooner they can begin reclaiming the parts of life that Panic may have taken away from them."

Resources And Support

Visit the SADAG website at https://www.sadag.org to access our toolkit, which has information, resources, articles, videos and Support Groups for Panic Disorder.

Stay tuned to our SADAG Social media pages, where we'll be sharing information on Panic Awareness, Support Groups, and other activities.

SADAG encourages anyone experiencing Panic Attacks or living with Panic Disorder to reach out for support.

Support is available 24 hours a day through the SADAG Mental Health Helpline on 0800 70 80 90, by sending an SMS to 31393 for a Counsellor call back.

You can also reach out via WhatsApp on 076 882 2775 (available 8am - 5pm, 7 days a week).