The Ultimate Guide to Overcoming Anxiety in South Africa

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety (doctors call it Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or GAD) is more than just feeling worried sometimes. It's when you worry all the time, even about small things. Your body might react too. Your heart might beat fast, you might sweat, or you might feel like you can't catch your breath. It's like your body is always on high alert, even when there's no real danger.

In South Africa, anxiety is extremely common. According to the World Health Organization, studies show that 15.8% of South Africans will experience an anxiety disorder in their lifetime^[1]. That's more than 1 in 6 people. The numbers are even higher in cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town, where crime, traffic, and economic stress add extra pressure to daily life.

Common Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety affects both your mind and your body. Here are the most common symptoms:

Anxiety in the South African Context

Living in South Africa comes with unique stressors that can trigger or worsen anxiety. Understanding these factors is important for finding the right solution.

Crime and Safety Concerns

Many South Africans experience anxiety related to crime. Whether it's worry about being hijacked, having your home broken into, or being mugged, these fears are real and valid. If you've been a victim of crime, you might develop what doctors call Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which includes severe anxiety symptoms.

Economic Stress

With unemployment at nearly 30%^[2] and the cost of living rising, many South Africans worry constantly about money. Will I be able to pay rent this month? What if I lose my job? Can I afford school fees for my children? This constant financial pressure is a major cause of anxiety.

Load Shedding and Daily Frustrations

Even everyday things like load shedding can trigger anxiety. The uncertainty of when the power will go off, the impact on your work, and the disruption to your routine all add up. For many people, these daily frustrations create a constant state of stress and worry.

What Causes Anxiety?

Doctors and psychologists have many theories about what causes anxiety. Some say it's a chemical imbalance in your brain. Others say it's genetic (you inherited it from your parents). Some blame stress or trauma.

But here's the problem: none of these explanations give you a clear path to getting better. If anxiety is caused by a chemical imbalance, why do medications only manage the symptoms and not resolve the underlying issue? If it's genetic, does that mean you're stuck with it forever?

Dianetics offers a different explanation. According to Dianetics, anxiety comes from the reactive mind—a part of your mind that stores painful memories and experiences. These memories can get triggered by things in your present life, causing you to feel anxious even when there's no real danger. The good news is that Dianetics provides a way to find and remove these painful memories, so you can be free from anxiety for good.

Traditional Treatments for Anxiety in South Africa

1. Psychiatric Medication

The most common treatment for anxiety in South Africa is medication. Doctors usually prescribe drugs called benzodiazepines (like Xanax or Ativan) or antidepressants (like Prozac or Zoloft).

Do they work? These drugs can reduce anxiety symptoms in the short term. But they don't resolve the underlying cause of anxiety. They just manage symptoms. And they come with serious side effects, including:

• Drowsiness and fatigue
• Weight gain
• Sexual problems
• Addiction (especially with benzodiazepines)
• Withdrawal symptoms if you try to stop

Many South Africans end up taking these drugs for years, even decades, because they're afraid of what will happen if they stop. This is not a resolution of the underlying issue. It's a life sentence of dependency. For a detailed comparison of medication and alternative approaches, see our Dianetics vs. Medication guide.

2. Therapy and Counseling

Psychologists and therapists offer talk therapy for anxiety. The most common type is called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which teaches you to change your thoughts and behaviors.

Do they work? CBT can help some people manage their anxiety better. But it's expensive (R800-R1500 per session in South Africa), and it can take months or even years of weekly sessions. And like medication, it doesn't remove the source of your anxiety. It just teaches you coping strategies. Learn more in our Dianetics vs. Therapy comparison.

3. Traditional Healing (Sangomas)

Many South Africans turn to traditional healers, or sangomas, for help with anxiety. Sangomas believe that anxiety is caused by angry ancestors or spiritual problems.

Do they work? While sangomas play an important cultural role, there is no scientific evidence that their methods can resolve anxiety disorders. Rituals and muthi (traditional medicine) might provide temporary comfort, but they don't address the actual cause of your anxiety.

4. Faith-Based Counseling (Pastors)

With 80% of South Africans identifying as Christian^[3], many people seek help from their pastors when they're anxious. Pastors often offer prayer, scripture reading, and spiritual guidance.

Do they work? Faith can provide comfort and hope. But anxiety is not a spiritual weakness or a lack of faith. Telling someone to "pray it away" can make them feel guilty and ashamed, which makes the anxiety worse.

Dianetics: A Different Approach

Dianetics is not a medication. It's not talk therapy. It's not a spiritual practice. It's a precise technology of the mind that helps you find and remove the source of your anxiety.

Here's how it works: Dianetics identifies painful memories stored in your reactive mind. These memories can get triggered by things in your present life, causing you to feel anxious. Through a process called auditing, you can find these memories, examine them, and release their power over you. Once the memory is handled, many people experience lasting relief from anxiety.

Next Steps

If you're tired of managing your anxiety with pills or endless therapy sessions, Dianetics offers an alternative approach. It's not a quick fix, but many people have experienced lasting results.

Ready to address the root cause of your anxiety? Order the Dianetics book for R400 with free delivery across South Africa. The book provides a complete guide to identifying and erasing the painful memories causing your anxiety.

For personalized support, Dianetics auditing services are available in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and other major cities.

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Written by

Tony Peacock

Humanitarian & Mental Health Research Advocate

Published: 2024 • Updated: November 2025

Tony is an Australian who moved to South Africa and made it his home. At 25, he overcame drug and alcohol addiction through Dianetics after trying alternative healing approaches. He served as Church staff in Australia for 12 years before moving to SA in 2022. As a humanitarian and philanthropist, he has made significant contributions to mental health infrastructure across Southern Africa. His mission: help the able become more able using technology that makes people causative.