The silent struggle of panic attacks: how South Africans cope daily
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.'
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