The 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 anxiety-focused accounts on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram (@anxiety_fitness), where he talks about his own experiences and shares helpful tips with his followers.
Most recently, he went to see The Weeknd’s concert at Wembley Stadium – something he describes as a ‘huge challenge’ due to anxiety and agoraphobia.
Agoraphobia is an extreme or irrational fear of entering an open or crowded place, leaving your home alone, or being in a place where escape is difficult.
She documented the experience on YouTube, and also did a livestream on Instagram during the concert, when a panic attack occurred.
In the YouTube video description, he wrote: ‘Join me on an exposure therapy trip to Wembley Stadium to watch The Weeknd.
“To many people, this may sound like an ordinary concert, but for me, it’s actually a huge challenge, and something I’ve been putting off for years.”
‘The idea of being surrounded by tens of thousands of fans, loud music and the sheer scale of the event can be overwhelming.
“But with exposure therapy, the goal is to gradually and deliberately deal with the fear, reducing its impact over time.” Choosing to see The Weeknd is also not arbitrary.
“Her music has become a comforting presence in my life, and the thought of seeing her perform live gives me motivation and a reward to take on this challenge.”
‘This journey is about healing, growth and the power of music to inspire change within us. I invite you to join me in this transformative experience, as I get one step closer to regaining control of my fears.’
Peter shared Instagram Live footage on TikTok, in which he explains what happened and how his followers helped him through a difficult situation.
The video starts with Peter sitting at the concert, looking into the camera – there are lights flashing and people dancing in the background – everything you could expect from this kind of event.
Alongside the video, he wrote ‘I went to see The Weeknd at Wembley Stadium to overcome my agoraphobia and panic disorder.
“I went live to share my success, but suddenly I started having panic attacks.”
We see the influencer’s face contort and scrunch up as he looks in pain.
He also closed his eyes and looked like he was struggling to breathe properly.
She wrote ‘My boyfriend took notice, and gave me some soothing touches (I’m a very touchy person.
“At this point my heart was racing, and I felt like I was sinking and something was wrong. I was really trying to hold it in, fighting the urge to get up and run away.
“I really want to go, but I know it will only reinforce my anxiety in the future.”
It was then that people watching Peter’s live stream from home started to notice what was going on and offer messages of support.
A message appears on the screen saying ‘Wow, this is huge. Hope you’re doing well,’ and ‘just breathe. Are you alright. the feeling will pass, you got this!’
Others said ‘I’m the same as my man, just remember there are others like you in that crowd’ and ‘If you feel panicked just sit down. It will pass.’
Despite wanting to leave, Peter watches the concert anyway and continues, ending the video with ‘A huge thank you to everyone who supported me back then. I embraced the feeling and sat with it until it passed.’
In the full video posted to his YouTube channel, we see Peter leaving the house straight to the end of the concert.
His problems started on the car ride to Wembley, when he started to feel trapped by the volume of traffic – he had a chest pain that ‘made him panic’.
She practices deep breathing exercises by making her exhales longer than her exhales.
Moments later we saw him huddled in a line of people. Speaking on camera, he said ‘This is literally my worst nightmare. I’m not happy about this.’
He added that he felt “restricted” but wanted to try.
As soon as he got to the stadium doors, he said he could hear the crowd inside and it made him “feel nauseous”.
Peter added that the staff member who assisted them was “amazing” as he walked himself and his girlfriend to their seats and explained how it all worked.
The video includes lots of positive clips of Peter having a great time on the show and saying it was “epic”, despite the panic attacks.
The influencer’s fans flooded the comments with support, with one reading ‘As someone living with panic attacks and severe agoraphobia, I feel so emotional watching this. Very good.’
Another added, “Well done, you inspired many people to fight for their freedom.” Go the extra Mile to create good experiences and memories.’
Another person who could relate, wrote “Once you get over a panic attack at events like that you feel a strange bit of euphoria which I think is also emotional.”
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