Nate Byrne, known for his role as the beloved meteorologist on ABC’s News Breakfast, faced an intense and personal challenge in 2022—one that unfolded live on national television. During a morning broadcast, Byrne suffered not one, but two panic attacks. Instead of keeping the experience to himself, he’s since opened up in hopes of helping others who may be silently battling anxiety.
The first panic attack came after Byrne rushed to the studio, arriving later than usual. "As I stood there under the studio lights, talking to people having their morning coffee and wiping sleep from their eyes, my heart was racing, I was gasping for breath and sweat was pouring out of every pore as my brain screamed 'RUN!'" he later shared.
Despite the crushing sensations, Byrne managed to finish the segment. But minutes later, another panic attack struck while he was back on air. Recognizing the severity of what was happening, he sought medical attention that same day. His doctor prescribed beta blockers to help manage the symptoms.
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Viewers watching from home were unaware at the time, but many later rallied around Byrne after he shared his experience. Comments flooded in with support: “Nate handled it extremely well,” wrote one viewer on X. Another added, “Nate is an amazing person to take this step to share with the community the various impacts anxiety can make to our lives.”
Byrne didn’t stop at sharing his story. He also took part in a special report for ABC’s Anxiety Project, where he interviewed psychologist Jody Lowinger to better understand panic attacks and what causes them.
“Our brain is wired to self-protect, but it's not so great at differentiating between perceived threat and real threat,” Lowinger explained. “So, the physiological experiences that you're experiencing, that rapid shallow breathing, that rapid heart rate, and the sweatiness are all there to help us in the case that we need to run or fight. But in the case of this situation, when it's responding to that magnificent, active mind that you have, it's not very helpful."
Byrne’s openness has resonated with viewers and fellow broadcasters alike. His courage to publicly share what happened offers a powerful reminder that mental health struggles can affect anyone—even those who appear completely in control.
If you or someone you know is dealing with anxiety or panic attacks, know that help is out there. Resources are available through the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and MentalHealth.gov, where you can find support and learn more about treatment options.
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