Mental Health

Anxiety levels are constantly on the rise as the world we live in becomes more demanding. But when your anxiety is ongoing and causing more serious symptoms, it’s important to seek professional help.

More than quarter of South Africans suffer with mental health issues, according to a 2022 study by researchers at Witwatersrand University. World Health Organization (WHO) figures show that the incidence of depression, anxiety and other mental health-related conditions has spiked worldwide in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Couple that with the relentless pace of our personal and professional lives, and it’s a perfect storm for the development of anxiety disorders.  

Nicky Abdinor, a clinical psychologist whose therapy practice is at Mediclinic Milnerton, agrees that anxiety disorders have become much more common as people face uncertainty and sustained pressure. In addition, depression is likely to present alongside anxiety.

“Depression and anxiety are often dual diagnoses,” she explains, “and any personal or family history of mental illness can make a person more vulnerable to developing an anxiety disorder down the line”.

Diagnosis of an anxiety disorder

It’s common for those suffering from anxiety disorders to initially be misdiagnosed. “Many people suffering from anxiety disorders present first with physical problems before recognising or understanding that they have anxiety,” says Abdinor. “These symptoms often include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), heart palpitations and breathing difficulties.

“Some people experiencing a panic attack, for example, go to casualty thinking they’re having a heart attack or stroke because the symptoms can be so severe. Usually after visits to various doctors, it might be discovered that anxiety is either causing or perpetuating the symptoms.”

In addition, stress and anxiety can trigger conditions like IBS. The pain and dysfunction are real, but stress and anxiety about the condition makes gastrointestinal problems worse. The stress triggers your sympathetic nervous system, which impacts the colon, says the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA). 

Compounding the issues that can complicate diagnosis, anxiety disorders often co-exist with other disorders, including mood, substance, and personality disorders.

“It’s important to get an accurate diagnosis and rule out any physical problems before starting a treatment plan of medication and/or therapy,” says Abdinor. “Your psychologist or psychiatrist is then able to diagnose an anxiety disorder conclusively.” Common anxiety disorders include generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or various phobias.

Do I need help?

Normal anxiety is a common reaction to the stress that motivates you to take action and generally helps you cope with everyday life. It’s used as an appropriate response to a threatening situation ­– for example, getting out of the path of an approaching vehicle.

“The important distinction to make,” says Abdinor, “is when anxiety is ‘normal’ and when it is excessive, or ‘abnormal’”. Here’s how to identify when you need help:

  • You have an inappropriate response to a situation – there’s no reasonable justification for the high level of anxiety you’re experiencing.
  • The intensity and duration of your anxiety is so high that you don’t feel you can control it.
  • Your anxiety has a significantly negative impact on your general functioning and quality of life.

Treatment for anxiety

Treatment for anxiety disorders can be complex, as the patient generally needs to confront the situations that make them anxious.

“One of the most common coping skills for people who experience high levels of anxiety is avoidance,” Abdinor explains. “For example, someone with social anxiety will turn down social invitations. Avoidance only reinforces the anxiety. While receiving therapy for anxiety, you may struggle with compliance as it requires facing the anxiety and working through situations you usually avoid.

“The therapist will focus on reducing your avoidance and helping you work on changing the thought patterns that trigger or worsen the anxiety. This is called cognitive restructuring. For example, instead of thinking ‘I’m losing control’ in a particular situation, you’ll work on changing your thought patterns to ‘I’m not losing control’ or ‘It’s just anxiety’.

“The best form of treatment for anxiety is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which may be combined with medication depending on the severity of symptoms,” Abdinor explains. “Antidepressants are the most effective psychiatric medication, and you’ll need to be on them for between 6-12 months or sometimes longer, depending on the psychiatrist’s findings and recommendations.”

Visit http://www.sadag.org for more information and support.

To find an expert mental health professional near you, go to www.mediclinic.co.za