Wellbeing News

What can we learn from a panic attack on live TV

The reality of anxiety and panic attacks have been in the news this week, with ABC weather presenter Nate Byrne recently having a panic attack live on-air.

He has been open about his panic attacks, having written about them before. His confidence and openness in expressing his struggles have made a powerful impact on normalising mental health, especially in the workplace.

It came as Byrne was reading the weather forecast last Tuesday morning on the broadcaster's News Breakfast program.

"I'm actually going to need to stop for a second," he said suddenly before mentioning the condition which affects him.

"Some of you may know that I occasionally get affected by some panic attacks, and actually that's happening right now."

He then asked to return the broadcast to co-presenters Lisa Millar and Michael Rowland.

Millar agreed and took the opportunity to mention an article Byrne wrote in 2022 about suffering panic attacks on air.

This week's good news has been for us to see, as a society, where we are with mental health stigma and to witness an effective, healthy way of communicating one's mental health needs in a difficult situation.

It has warmed my heart to see the overwhelmingly positive response from viewers and the general public commending his bravery and openness. This has surely helped others with similar struggles find their voices, too, and get the help they need.

You can watch Nate, the ABC team, and a psychologist talk about panic attacks here:

A Psychologist explains what happens during a panic attack and how to manage them.

The second half of term 3 is a particularly demanding and stressful time in the school year. 

If students are noticing a rise in their stress and anxiety levels, you are very welcome to reach out to Wellbeing where some listening ears and suggestions on managing anxiety can be accessed.

Please contact George Vlamakis on george.vlamakis@jmss.vic.edu.au, or call the school (parent) or drop into Wellbeing (student) to access some support.  

~ George Vlamakis (Student Wellbeing Coordinator)