A UK-based social media influencer has taken to TikTok and YouTube to share his experience of having a panic attack at Wembley Stadium.
Peter Ruppert runs 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.
Recently, he went to see The Weeknd live in 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, which is when the panic attack took place.
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 journey to Wembley Stadium to see The Weeknd.
‘For many, this might sound like a regular concert outing, but for me, it’s actually a huge challenge, and something I’ve been putting off doing for years.
‘The idea of being surrounded by tens of thousands of fans, the loud music, and the sheer scale of the event can be overwhelming.
‘But with exposure therapy, the goal is to gradually and intentionally face such fears, diminishing their impact over time. Choosing to see The Weeknd is not arbitrary either.
‘His music has been a comforting presence in my life, and the thought of seeing him perform live gives me both motivation and a reward for facing this challenge.
‘This trip 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 reclaiming control over my fears.’
![Peter shared a recording of the Instagram Live on TikTok, where he explained what happened and how his followers helped him through a difficult situation](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/08/21/16/74561239-12429169-image-a-2_1692630437006.jpg)
Peter shared a recording of the Instagram Live on TikTok, where he explained what happened and how his followers helped him through a difficult situation
Peter shared a recording of the Instagram Live on TikTok, where he explained what happened and how his followers helped him through a difficult situation.
The video begins with Peter sat down at the concert, looking at the camera – there are flashing lights and people dancing in the background – everything you can 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.
‘I went live to share my success but suddenly I started to feel a panic attack building up.’
We see the influencer’s face change and scrunch up as he appears to be in pain.
He also closes his eyes and looks as if he’s struggling to breathe properly.
He wrote ‘My girlfriend noticed, and gave me some comforting touches (I am a very tactile person.
‘At this point my heart was racing, and I felt like I was drowning and something was seriously wrong. I was really trying to hold it together, fighting the urge to get up and escape.
‘I really wanted to leave, but I knew that would just reinforce my anxiety in the future.’
This is when people watching Peter’s livestream from home began to notice what was going on and offer messages of support.
Messages flash up on the screen reading ‘Wow this is huge. Hope you’re okay,’ and ‘just breathe. you’re doing great. the feeling will pass, you’ve got this!’
Another says ‘I’m the same way my guy, just remember there are others like you in that crowd’ and ”If you feel panicky, just sit through it. It will pass.’
Despite wanting to leave, Peter stayed at the concert and pushed on, ending the video with ‘A huge thank you to everyone who supported me in that moment. I embraced the feelings and sat with them until they passed.’
In the full video posted to his YouTube channel, we see Peter right from leaving the house up until the end of the concert.
The issues began in the car journey to Wembley, as he began to feel trapped by the amount of traffic – he felt chest pain which ‘sent him into a panic’.
He practiced deep breathing exercises by making his exhales longer than his inhales.
A little bit later we see him a crowd in a queue of people. Addressing the camera, he says ‘Literally this is my worst nightmare. I’m not happy about this.’
![](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/08/21/15/74560195-12429169-image-a-5_1692628924645.jpg)
![](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/08/21/15/74560199-12429169-image-m-10_1692629000544.jpg)
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![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 pretty emotional watching this. Well done'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/08/21/15/74560189-12429169-image-a-1_1692628894675.jpg)
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 pretty emotional watching this. Well done’
![Once he got to the doors of the stadium, he said he could hear the crowd inside and it made him 'feel sick'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/08/21/16/74561241-12429169-image-a-3_1692630466361.jpg)
Once he got to the doors of the stadium, he said he could hear the crowd inside and it made him ‘feel sick’
![The video includes a lot of positive clips of Peter having a good time at the show and saying it was 'epic', despite the panic attack](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/08/21/16/74561237-12429169-image-a-10_1692630676031.jpg)
The video includes a lot of positive clips of Peter having a good time at the show and saying it was ‘epic’, despite the panic attack
He adds that he feels ‘zoned out’ but wanted to try.
Once he got to the doors of the stadium, he said he could hear the crowd inside and it made him ‘feel sick’.
Peter added that the staff member that assisted them was ‘awesome’ as he walked himself and his girlfriend to their seats and explained how everything worked.
The video includes a lot of positive clips of Peter having a good time at the show and saying it was ‘epic’, despite the panic attack.
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 pretty emotional watching this. Well done.’
Another added ‘Good job, you inspire a lot of people to fight for their freedom. Go the extra Mile to make good experiences and memories.’
Someone else who could relate, wrote ‘Once you get over a panic attack at an event like that, you strangely feel a bit euphoric I find as well as emotional.’
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