A Australian meteorologist suffered a panic attack while on air last week and quickly handed his live segment back to his fellow host.
“Some of you may know that I occasionally suffer from panic attacks and that's actually happening right now,” Nate Byrne said during ABC News Australia's live segment.
His colleagues intervened while Byrne, who had been open about his struggle with panic attacks In the past, he recovered from the incident.
Fox News Digital has contacted ABC News Australia for comment.
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“Nate's colleagues at ABC News Breakfast did a great job supporting him,” Dr. Reid Wilson, PhD, a psychologist and director of the Anxiety Disorders Treatment Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, told Fox News Digital.
Byrne's openness about her condition likely helped the news team react so supportively, Wilson told Fox News Digital.
An Australian weatherman, not pictured, suffered a panic attack while on air last week and quickly handed his live segment back to his fellow presenter. (iStock)
“That's something to keep in mind if you're having panic attacks: sharing your problem with people who are safe (who won't ridicule you or use it against you) and who will support you,” she said in an email.
What is a panic attack?
Panic attacks are part of the body's sympathetic nervous system's “fight or flight” response, which motivates a person to get away from danger even if the situation doesn't appear to be an obvious threat, health professionals told Fox News Digital.
“During a panic attack, our heart rate increases and our body prepares to fight or flee,” Dr. Nancy Frye, PhD, professor and graduate director of psychology at Long Island University in Brookville, New York, told Fox News Digital.
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While a panic attack is scary, it's usually not dangerous, according to the APA.
However, it can cause anxiety about future attacks.
“They may start to give up more aspects of their lives in an attempt to quell the panic,” Wilson said.
“That's why it's so important for them to develop self-help skills that help them cope with and deal with those triggering situations.”
“During a panic attack, our heart rate increases and our body prepares to fight or flee,” a psychologist told Fox News Digital. (iStock)
The American Psychological Association (APA) defines a panic attack as a “sudden surge of overwhelming fear” that is not proportional to the actual situation.
The attack usually goes away within minutes, but repeated attacks can continue for hours, the APA noted.
“It is important to develop self-help skills to help cope with and deal with those triggering situations.”
The episode can occur in people who have experienced a recent traumatic event or a major life stressor, such as a death or divorce, experts say.
Attacks may also be due to a genetic predisposition to Anxiety disorders or depression.
Symptoms of the disease
A person having a panic attack may suddenly experience a rapid heartbeat and difficulty breathing.
People may also feel dizzy, lightheaded or nauseous, according to the APA.
Tremors, tingling in the fingers and toes, sweating, sudden hot flashes or chills, or a feeling of terror are other listed symptoms experienced by people.
The American Psychological Association (APA) defines a panic attack as a “sudden surge of overwhelming fear” that is not proportional to the actual situation. (iStock)
“When you're having a panic attack, you might… Breathe quickly“A condition called hyperventilation, which can cause numbness in the fingers and toes due to vasoconstriction that occurs from the imbalance of oxygen and carbon dioxide,” Dr. Fred Davis, associate chair of emergency medicine at Northwell Health in Long Island, New York, told Fox News Digital.
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It's important to rule out any underlying medical conditions to be sure it's a panic attack, health experts say.
“These symptoms can mimic other medical conditions such as a myocardial infarctionasthma exacerbation, electrolyte abnormalities, thyroid problems or neurological disorders,” Davis said.
A licensed therapist can diagnose a panic attack and panic disorder.
What to do in case of a panic attack
If a panic attack occurs, Davis recommends focusing on breathing slowly and deeply.
Most panic attacks will resolve within a few minutes, but if symptoms persist or worsen, it may be necessary seek medical treatment to rule out other causes, Davis added.
When people “have a panic attack, they may breathe rapidly, a condition called hyperventilation, which can cause numbness in the fingers and toes,” one expert said. (iStock)
“It's tempting to say that the way to deal with a panic attack is to calm down, but that's a lot easier said than done,” Frye told Fox News Digital.
“It can help to acknowledge worry and anxiety, and remind ourselves that our bodies are trying to help us.”
“It's tempting to say that the way to deal with a panic attack is to calm down, but that's a lot easier said than done.”
Frye recommended focusing on what's happening in the environment and remembering that not everything needs to be solved right away.
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If a person experiences recurring panic attacks and spends much of their time “in constant fear of having another attack,” they may have panic disorder, in which case evaluation and treatment is recommended, according to the Mayo Clinic website.
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Different types of treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and, In some cases, medications. — can help a person learn to cope with panic attacks and panic disorders, Davis and Wilson told Fox News Digital.
Preventing panic attacks
Implementing some lifestyle changes It can help keep panic attacks at bay, Wilson said.
Some of these include making an effort to get good sleep, significantly reducing or eliminating caffeine, exercising regularly, and limiting alcohol consumption.
Experts recommend learning to manage life's stressors by practicing relaxation techniques, such as meditation. (iStock)
He also recommends learning to Managing life stressors in your life by practicing relaxation techniques, such as meditation.
If you take medications, it's a good idea to confirm with your doctor that none of them are causing your anxiety symptoms, Wilson said.
If you suffer from recurring panic attacks, experts recommend discussing the episodes with your doctor. (iStock)
Developing a supportive social network and having a strong sense of purpose can also help.
“Make sure you use your gifts and talents and take actions in your life that reflect your values,” Wilson advised.
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If you suffer from recurring panic attacks, experts recommend discussing the episodes with your doctor.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the APA for comment.
