From the Doctor’s Desk: The Unseen Toll of Your Daily Commute
By Dr. Melané van Zyl
As a psychiatrist and a member of the South African Society of Psychiatrists, I observe the hidden casualties of our city’s infrastructure daily. We see the headlines about Cape Town’s traffic congestion – ranking as the most congested in the country, with drivers losing an average of 74 hours a year. But these numbers, stark as they are, don’t capture the full story. They don’t measure the silent erosion of our mental and physical well-being that happens one bumper-to-bumper commute at a time.
I am often asked to unpack the consequences of this daily grind, and the clinical evidence is clear. There are numerous studies that show individuals who spend extended periods in traffic experience elevated levels of stress, anxiety, frustration, irritability, nervous tension, and an overall decline in well-being and life satisfaction.
This isn’t just about feeling annoyed.
Many drivers I speak to describe a profound sense of helplessness and a lack of control, particularly in the mornings when there’s immense pressure to be somewhere on time. This anticipation and the anxiety before the commute even begins can wear people down. Over time, this chronic, low-grade stress is a significant contributor to more serious mental health issues, including the development of mood and anxiety disorders.
And it’s not just the mind that suffers.
The mind-body connection is undeniable. The constant state of alert, the frustration, the suppressed anger – this all triggers a physiological stress response. Chronic stress from commuting can, and does, lead to tangible physical health problems like high blood pressure, chronic fatigue, and burnout. You arrive home completely shattered, with no energy left for your partner, your children, or even for yourself.
This is where the damage spills over into our homes. In my experience, people who endure these commutes become more irritable, emotionally reactive, withdrawn, and quick to snap. These shifts in behaviour often disrupt personal relationships. Communication falters; people may misinterpret what their partner or family member is saying because they feel unsupported, even when support is actually being offered. The constant pressure and stress of commuting simply make it harder to connect emotionally at home.
So, what can be done?
While we advocate for systemic change, individuals can reclaim some control over their well-being. I recommend turning the commute into a time for calm rather than chaos. Instead of succumbing to the frustration, you can practise mindfulness techniques such as focused breathing, simple gratitude exercises, or visualisation while sitting in traffic. Try to shift your perspective and use the time as an opportunity for solitude and reflection. Listen to a calming podcast or an audiobook instead of a repetitive radio playlist that frays your nerves.
However, the responsibility for change should not rest on the commuter alone. There are real mental and physical health consequences linked to long commutes, and it’s something employers and urban developers must take seriously.
I urge employers to ease this burden by offering flexible work arrangements, including the option to work remotely. Companies should also ensure mental health resources like counselling are readily available, and that they foster a genuinely supportive culture for employees who face long travel times each day.
Until these structural changes come, the daily crawl continues.
So next time you’re bumper-to-bumper, I encourage you to take a breath—literally. Try to turn your commute into a moment of calm. Your well-being is too important to be left on the N2.