Australian weatherman has panic attack live on air: Here are the symptoms to know

Our bodies can show a number of physical symptoms during a panic attack

There are a number of treatments available for panic attacks

Footage of an Australian weatherman having a panic attack live on air has gone viral, with thousands sharing their support for how it was handled.

Meteorologist Nate Byrne was delivering a forecast for ABC News Australia when he began to feel overwhelmed.

He interrupted his script to inform the audience and asked his colleague Lisa Millar to take over.

Byrne said: “I’m actually going to need to stop for a second. Some of you may know that I occasionally get affected by some panic attacks, and actually, that’s happening right now.

“Lisa, maybe I could hand back to you.” 

Millar jumped straight in and took over from Byrne, telling the audience about his experiences and directing them to an article he wrote a few years ago.

In the piece, he talks about how live TV triggered his first panic attack and how he still deals with anxiety to this day.

Viewers offered their support for the weatherman under an ABC News Australia Instagram post, as well as applauding the station for how it was handled.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Irish Examiner (@irish_examiner)

One said: “We need more of this. Space to feel safe to express when we’re experiencing a panic attack and the support after it happens. Goosebumps!” 

“This is so incredible to watch. The way he handled himself and the support of his colleague too. This is the media version of ‘we’ve got you’ and we need to see more of it,” another said.

A third user wrote: “This is the best thing I've seen in ages. Making the work place a safe place for all – even on live TV. What really made my heart happy was how Nate was able to pass over to Lisa and Lisa being smooth and supportive.” 

Signs of panic attack

Panic attacks affect a lot of people, and seeing someone on live TV in a position such as Byrne’s having one made many people feel as though he was breaking the stigma.

Many people will know just how scary the experience of having a panic attack or watching someone having a panic attack can be.

An attack can feel like an overwhelming sense of apprehension and anxiety, and our bodies can display a number of physical symptoms.

For example, dizziness, racing heart, trembling, hyperventilation, nausea, tingling sensations, chest pain, choking sensation and a fear of dying or impeding doom can all occur during an attack.

It can also manifest in the form of stomach cramps, nausea, loss of appetite or diarrhoea.

Panic attacks can be caused by uncomfortable situations or past experiences.

There a number of techniques that can help with panic attacks. Therapy is the most common form of treatment for panic attacks, but mindfulness could also help. Taking time to focus on breathing might also ease some anxiety.