A TV weatherman in Australia who had a panic attack while live on air for ABC News Breakfast has shared his thoughts about what happened

An Australian weather presenter had to quickly halt a broadcast after suffering a panic attack while live on air.

The ABC News Breakfast presenter, Nate Byrne, was in the middle of presenting his forecast to viewers when he suddenly explained he needed to “stop for a second”. The incident took place on Tuesday morning’s programme at around 6.30am.

In a candid reveal, Byrne asked his co-host Lisa Millar to step in for him. He told viewers: “I’m actually going to need to stop for a second,” he said. “Some of you may know that I occasionally get affected by panic attacks and actually that is happening right now.”

Nate Byrne was presenting a weather forecast ( Image: ABC)
Panic attacks, according to Mind, are a type of fear response. The charity’s website states: “They’re an exaggeration of your body’s normal response to danger, stress or excitement.”

As the camera panned away from Byrne and onto Millar, the presenter took time to compose himself before continuing a short while later and apologising for stepping away.

Millar praised her colleague for being so open about what was happening and explained how he had previously wrote a piece about his struggles.

Upon Byrne’s return to the show, his other co-host, Michael Rowland, jokingly said he became nervous that he would have to take over Byrne’s weather reporting role at the time. Byrne went on to thank everyone for helping out during his moment of need.

His co-presenters praised his openness ( Image: ABC)
Sharing a video to his Instagram page after the show, Rowland revealed Byrne was doing alright. He penned: “You might have seen Nate experience a panic attack earlier this morning while presenting the News Breakfast weather. Nate’s open about his panic attacks — he’s even written about them before — and he’s doing okay!

“Thank you for all the supportive messages. (There have been so many. What a wonderful audience we have!). As a team, we’ll always have your back, Nate. Always.”

Fans were quick to take to the comments section of the post to send further messages of support. One user gushed: “Thanks @mjrowland68 and to everyone else – I have the best (and biggest!) support team. Makes it all so much better.”

Another wrote: “This is awesome. Panic attacks are not. Well done Nate and the whole team,” while a third added: “Good on you mate, you’re a bloody legend for being so open at this stuff – if only the rest of us were as brave!”

During a live TV broadcast, Nate Byrne, an Australian weatherman for ABC News Breakfast, experienced a panic attack that led him to momentarily step away from presenting the weather forecast.

Panic attacks, as described by Mind, are an intense fear response that can be triggered by various factors such as stress or excitement.

Despite the unexpected interruption, Byrne’s co-hosts and viewers showed tremendous support and understanding towards his situation.

Byrne’s openness about his struggles with panic attacks not only sheds light on mental health issues but also serves as an inspiration for others facing similar challenges.

It takes courage to acknowledge and address such personal struggles, especially in a public setting. The positive response and encouragement that Byrne received from his colleagues and audience are a testament to the importance of fostering a supportive and compassionate community.

In the aftermath of the incident, Byrne took to Instagram to reassure his supporters that he was doing well. The overwhelming outpour of messages and well wishes further underscores the power of solidarity and empathy.

By sharing his story and being transparent about his experiences, Byrne has helped reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues and encouraged meaningful discussions on self-care and well-being.In a world where vulnerability is often perceived as a weakness, Byrne’s willingness to share his journey with panic attacks serves as a reminder that it is okay to not be okay.

His authenticity and resilience in the face of adversity are qualities that resonate with many, instilling hope and strength in those who may be struggling silently.

The support and camaraderie displayed by Byrne’s colleagues and viewers exemplify the importance of compassion, understanding, and solidarity in navigating life’s challenges.

As we continue to navigate the complexities of daily life, let us draw inspiration from Nate Byrne’s story and cultivate a community that values authenticity, empathy, and mental well-being.

Let us stand together, support one another, and create a safe space where individuals feel empowered to share their truths and seek help when needed.

In doing so, we can foster a culture of inclusivity, resilience, and genuine human connection that transcends barriers and promotes holistic wellness for all.