Managing Anxiety: When to Seek Help

Feeling anxious before a big event or during a stressful period is a normal part of life. However, when anxiety becomes persistent, excessive, and begins to interfere with daily activities, relationships, or work, it may indicate an anxiety disorder that benefits from professional treatment.

Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) affects approximately 1 in 10 South Africans at some point in their lives. Symptoms include persistent worry that feels difficult to control, restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances. Panic disorder, social anxiety, and specific phobias are other common forms.

Physical symptoms of anxiety are often what bring patients to our practice first. These can include a racing heart, shortness of breath, chest tightness, dizziness, nausea, and headaches. Many patients worry they have a heart condition before discovering that anxiety is the underlying cause.

You should consider seeking professional help when anxiety persists for more than two weeks, interferes with your ability to work or maintain relationships, causes you to avoid situations or activities, leads to substance use as a coping mechanism, or is accompanied by persistent low mood or thoughts of self-harm.

Treatment for anxiety is highly effective. Options include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based approaches, lifestyle modifications (regular exercise, reduced caffeine, improved sleep hygiene), and medication when appropriate. At NeoHealth, Dr. Chellan holds an FPD qualification in clinical management of mental health and takes a holistic, compassionate approach.

There is no shame in seeking help for anxiety. Early intervention leads to better outcomes, and most people see significant improvement with appropriate treatment. If you are struggling, please reach out — you do not have to manage this alone.