I suffer from panic attacks – I filmed myself having one during sold-out concert and this is what they can look like

By William On Aug 21, 2023

A UK-based social media influencer has struck TikTok And YouTube to share his experience of having a panic attack at Wembley Stadium.

Peter Ruppert has accounts on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram focused on anxiety (@anxiety_fitness), where he talks about his own experiences and shares helpful tips with his followers.

He recently attended a live The Weeknd concert at Wembley Stadium – something he described as a “huge challenge” due to anxiety and agoraphobia.

Agoraphobia is an extreme or irrational fear of entering open or crowded places, of leaving one’s own home, or of being in places from which escape is difficult.

He documented the experience on YouTube and also went live on Instagram during the concert, when the panic attack happened.

Agorophobia is an extreme or irrational fear of entering open or crowded places, of leaving one’s own home, or of being in places from which escape is difficult

In the description of the YouTube video, he wrote, “Join me on an exposure therapy trip to Wembley Stadium to see The Weeknd.

‘To many this may sound like an ordinary concert outing, but for me it’s actually a huge challenge, something I’ve been putting off for years.

“The idea of being surrounded by tens of thousands of fans, the loud music and the sheer size of the event can be overwhelming.

“But with exposure therapy, the goal is to face such fears gradually and intentionally, lessening their impact over time.” The choice to see The Weeknd isn’t random either.

“His music has been a comforting presence in my life, and the thought of seeing him perform live gives me both motivation and reward for taking on this challenge.

“This journey is about healing, growth and the power of music to inspire change within ourselves. I invite you to join me on this transformative experience as I take one step closer to regaining control of my fears.”

Peter shared a recording from the Instagram Live on TikTok, where he explained what happened and how his followers helped him through a difficult situation

Peter shared a recording from the Instagram Live on TikTok, explaining what happened and how his followers helped him through a tricky situation.

The video begins with Peter sitting down at the concert and looking at the camera – there are lights flashing and people dancing in the background – everything you would expect from this type of event.

Alongside the video, he writes, “I went to see The Weeknd at Wembley Stadium to overcome my agorophobia and panic disorder.

What is a panic attack and what are the symptoms?

During a panic attack, you get a wave of intense mental and physical symptoms. It can come on very quickly and for no apparent reason.

A panic attack can be very frightening and distressing.

Symptoms include: increased heart rate, feeling weak, sweating, nausea, chest pain, shortness of breath, shaking, hot flashes, chills, shaking limbs, feeling of choking, dizziness, numbness or tingling, dry mouth , the need to go to the toilet and ringing in your ears.

More symptoms include a feeling of dread or fear of dying, a churning stomach, tingling in your fingers, and feeling disconnected from your body.

Most panic attacks last between 5 and 20 minutes. Some have been reported to last up to an hour.

The number of seizures you have depends on how severe your condition is. Some people have attacks once or twice a month, while others have them several times a week.

SOURCE: GGZ

“I went live to share my success, but suddenly I felt a panic attack coming on.”

We see the influencer’s face change and cringe as he appears to be in pain.

He also closes his eyes and looks like he’s struggling to breathe properly.

He wrote: ‘My girlfriend noticed and gave me some reassuring touches (I’m a very tactile person.

“At that point my heart raced and I felt like I was drowning and something was seriously wrong. I really tried to hold it together, fighting the urge to get up and escape.

“I really wanted to leave, but I knew that would only increase my anxiety in the future.”

This is when people watching Peter’s live stream from home noticed what was going on and offered messages of support.

Messages flash on the screen saying “Wow, this is huge. I hope you’re doing well,” and “just breathe. you are doing great. the feeling passes, you got this!’

Another says, “I’m like my husband, remember there are others like you in that crowd” and “If you panic, just get through it.” It will succeed.’

Despite wanting to leave, Peter stayed with the concert and persevered, ending the video with ‘A huge thank you to everyone who supported me at the time. I embraced the feelings and sat with them until they passed.”

In the full video posted on his YouTube channel, we see Peter from the moment he leaves the house to the end of the concert.

The problems started on the car journey to Wembley, when he began to feel trapped by the amount of traffic – he felt chest pains that made him ‘panic’.

He practiced deep breathing exercises by making his exhalations longer than his inhalations.

Moments later we see him a crowd in a line of people. He turns to the camera and says, “This is literally my worst nightmare. I’m not happy about this.’

Fans of the influencer have flooded the comments with support, with one reading: ‘As someone living with severe anxiety, panic attacks and agoraphobia, I felt quite emotional watching this. Well done’

Once he got to the doors of the stadium, he said he could hear the crowd inside and he felt “sick.”

The video contains many positive clips of Peter having a good time on the show saying it was “epic” despite the panic attack

He adds that he feels “left out” but wanted to try.

Once he got to the doors of the stadium, he said he could hear the crowd inside and he felt “sick.”

Peter added that the member of staff who assisted them was ‘great’ as he showed himself and his girlfriend to their seats and explained how everything worked.

The video contains many positive clips of Peter having a good time on the show saying it was “epic” despite the panic attack.

Another said, ‘Well done, you inspire many people to fight for their freedom. Go the extra mile to gain good experiences and memories.’

Someone else who can understand wrote: “Once you get over a panic attack at such an event, you feel strangely a little euphoric, I think, but also emotional.”