On Tuesday morning, viewers in Queensland were met with an unexpected scene during their daily weather update on ABC News Breakfast. Nate Byrne, a reporter for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, interrupted the broadcast to inform viewers he was experiencing a panic attack.
"I'm actually going to need to stop for a second," Byrne said, "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."
Lisa Millar, Byrne's co-host, took over the segment, acknowledging Byrne's condition and raising awareness about mental health. She also drew attention to an article Byrne wrote in 2022, where he candidly shared his experiences with on-air panic attacks.
The incident, which was captured on video and widely shared on social media, sparked an outpouring of support and admiration for Byrne's honesty and courage. Many users lauded his approach to the situation, praising him for openly acknowledging his mental health challenge rather than attempting to hide it.
"I've seen a 'macho' having a panic attack once, it looked pathetic while trying to downplay it. Byrne is handling it manlier, cause he is not in denial," wrote one user.
Another user, Chris McLeod, shared his own experience with agoraphobia, writing: "Really empathised with this man dealing with a very public panic attack. This is how my agoraphobia manifests so I greatly feel for him and felt compelled to share. Well done Nate Byrne."
"What a little understanding and caring looks like when someone suffers a mental health episode. No gaslighting or blame just understanding and love for a colleague - Panic attack pause for Nate Byrne," shared X user Glenn Hampson.
Byrne's willingness to be open about his experience has not only garnered widespread praise but also served as a powerful reminder of the importance of destigmatising mental health issues. His actions have sparked conversations about mental health in the workplace and the need for greater understanding and support for those experiencing these challenges.
