Alison Hammond Describes On-Air Panic Attack as 'Scariest Thing'

Alison Hammond has described an on-air panic attack as one of the most frightening experiences of her life. The television presenter recounted the incident, which occurred during a live broadcast of This Morning, stating she thought she was having a heart attack.

"I didn't know. It was the first time I've ever experienced anything like that," Hammond said. "Secondly it was live on TV so I thought, oh my gosh, my son might be watching." She explained that the panic attack came on rapidly, describing it as "like a wave, something which I've now found out is adrenaline. That came into my body. I couldn't catch my breath and I genuinely thought I was having a heart attack."

Following the experience, Hammond said she has gained a new perspective on life. "I'm so happy that I'm here, and I'm so happy to see you," she told co-host Dermot O'Leary. "You were absolutely wonderful. And I'm so glad we're alive, and if anything it's made me look at life so much differently. Taking stock, look after my health. I'm drinking a lot of water."

The program also featured a discussion with former BBC Breakfast host and psychologist Dr. Sian Williams, who has written about anxiety. Panic attacks, also known as anxiety attacks, can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or a history of anxiety. According to the mental health charity MIND, they are an extreme anxiety response with intense physical and mental symptoms. The NHS lists symptoms including racing heartbeat, feeling faint, sweating, nausea, chest pain, shortness of breath, and trembling.

Hammond admitted to feeling anxious about returning to This Morning after the incident, but felt that if she didn't return that week, she might not have returned at all. "I'll be honest with you, I was anxious about coming back. But I thought, if I don't come back today, I probably wouldn't come back," she stated, emphasizing that panic attacks can occur anywhere and are not necessarily linked to a specific location.

She and Williams also discussed the pressures of live television presenting. "I do live TV all the time, I didn't realise it was having - I don't know if it was having an impact - the fact that you have to be 'on' in order to do it," Hammond reflected. She concluded the segment by reassuring viewers, "I'm back, babes. Keep rolling."

After leaving the broadcast last Friday, Hammond posted a video from a hospital bed explaining she was "getting my old ticker checked out" following what she described as "a little bit of a palpitation," which she hoped was "just a little panic attack."

She was unable to attend the Attitude Awards on Wednesday, where she was honored with The Honorary Gay Award. Hammond, who is from Birmingham, also presents other television shows such as For the Love of Dogs.