An Australian weatherman had a panic attack on air and in the process helped break a stigma. Nate Byrne was beginning his forecast for “ABC News Breakfast” when he said he needed to “stop for a second.” He explained, “Some of you may know that I occasionally get affected by panic attacks and actually that is happening right now.”
Anchors Lisa Millar and Michael Rowland handled it compassionately and perfectly as they continued on until Byrne was ready. The moment got people talking and Byrne says some people watching realized they’ve had panic attacks and never knew it.
The average attack, which sends cortisol and adrenaline flooding through your body briefly, lasts about 10 minutes even though it seems longer. Panic attacks are caused by one or two triggers: thoughts that something is scary or a physical sensation that reminds you of panic.
Here is how to handle a panic attack:
- Breathe. Inhale through your nose for four to six seconds, and exhale through your mouth for another four to six seconds. Repeat this 10 times.
- Focus on something outside yourself. Shift your attention to something external to “ground yourself in the present moment.”
If someone you know is having a panic attack the best you can do is this: stay with the person and keep calm, reminding the individual that it will pass soon.
Source: AOL