ABC weatherman Nate Byrne went global this week, when he suffered a panic attack on air and stopped his presentation to explain what was happening.

Since then, the event has been picked up by dozens of major news outlets around the world. These include the BBC and Independent in the UK, and CNN, CBS News and People magazine .

The American press has been particularly strong in praising Byrne for the open and direct way he managed the difficult moment.

Standing in front of the weather map, Byrne had just explained: “We’re going to see lots more rain in the days ahead.”

He then pivoted.

“I’m actually going to need to stop for a second,” he said, standing in front of the weather map, and putting up a hand, before explaining:

“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,” he said before cameras cut to his ABC’s Breakfast News co-host Lisa Millar.

“You certainly can Nate,” said Millar, going on to talk about a 2022 piece that Byrne had written about panic attacks.

How it happened

In an interview with the BBC, Byrne said:

“When I got to the wall (the weather map), I realised I was just ever so slightly out of breath. And I know that specific position in front of the wall is a trigger for me for panic attacks. And it started, it triggered one.”

It’s a physiological response, he said.

“My body starts tingling, I start sweating. Just everything in my body is screaming, ‘Run, go, get out’.”

What is a panic attack?

According to Health Direct:

A panic attack is an episode of overwhelming feelings of intense fear and anxiety. It comes on as a sudden rush, with physical symptoms and frightening thoughts.

If you have a panic attack, you might have a racing heart and palpitations – or even pain in your chest.

In a panic attack you might feel flushed, have chills and be sweating and shaking. You may also feel dizzy, faint and breathless – or even feel like you are going to die.

The symptoms can make it seem like you are having a heart attack, stroke, asthma attack or other medical emergency.

If unsure, you should call for an ambulance.

A panic attack can last from a few minutes to half an hour. However, the physical and emotional effects of the attack may last for a few hours.

With and without triggers

A panic attack can occur with and without identifiable triggers or reasons. Unexpected panic attacks can occur without an obvious cause. The body is simply suddenly shot through with fear.

Physical symptoms of a panic attack. Image: Cleveland Clinic  

People who have a phobia can experience phobia-related triggers that lead to a panic attack. This is why people with an intense fear of needles may experience a panic attack if they have to get a vaccination or blood drawn for a medical test.

For some people, the fear of having a panic attack is often enough to trigger one.

According to the Better Health Channel:

Some triggers for panic attacks can include:

• Hyperventilation, or over-breathing
• Long periods of stress
• Activities that lead to intense physical reactions, such as exercise or excessive coffee drinking
• Physical changes occurring after illness
• A sudden change of environment.

Panic attacks can be treated with a range of therapies including medications, psychotherapy, and stress management and relaxation techniques.

Who gets panic attacks

According to the Better Health Channel: Panic attacks are common. Up to 35 per cent of the population experience a panic attack at some time in their lives.

Without treatment, frequent and prolonged panic attacks can be severely disabling.

The person may choose to avoid a wide range of situations – such as leaving their home or being alone – for fear of experiencing an attack.