A meteorologist who was in the middle of his live weather forecast on television caused a sensation this week when he had a panic attack on the show.
In addition, his colleagues also received praise for their response to the incident.
Who was the weatherman who had a panic attack?
Meteorologist Nate Byrne spoke about the impending rain in ABC Australia’s weather forecast. News Breakfast when it all began.
“I actually have to pause for a minute,” says Byrne, standing in front of a map showing the storm heading toward Western Australia. “Some of you may know that I sometimes get panic attacks, and that’s what’s happening to me right now.”
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For some long-term News Breakfast Viewers who have followed Byrne’s career on television. He has previously written about his struggle with panic attacks on the station’s website.
“I had my first ever panic attack live on TV,” Byrne wrote in 2022. “It was absolutely terrifying and completely changed my understanding of mental health.”
Reaction of the co-moderator who receives praise
Given Byrne’s history of panic attacks, his News Breakfast The co-host was immediately ready to keep the show going while diverting attention from the meteorologist.
The camera focused on Lisa Millar at the news desk, who maintained her composure as she recommended that viewers read Byrne’s thoughts on panic attacks posted on the website.
“We may revisit it because he’s been so open and transparent about it,” Millar said. “And when he first wrote and talked about it, everyone said, ‘Oh, thank God, Nate isn’t perfect. We thought he was perfect, but now he’s actually sharing something with us.'”
A clip shared on ABC Australia’s Instagram also shows Millar comforting Byrne, who wanted to apologise to viewers.
“It’s so great for people to know that it can happen to anyone,” she said.
The post continues to be flooded with Instagram comments as people were quick to heap praise on both Byrne and Millar.
“This is being handled beautifully by both sides,” said one commenter. “So calm, Nate, and what a helpful colleague. My own family isn’t even that patient with me.”
Millar hosted News Breakfast for the past 5 years. Last month, she announced that she will be leaving the show on August 23 to pursue other projects with ABC.
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Gallery Credit: KATELYN LEBOFF
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