Personal Journey Through Mental Health Challenges

In his article, posted on October 9, 2026, Skinner recounts his first panic attack in January 2021 while living in a dorm at the University of South Alabama. Despite enjoying life with friends, the stress of balancing classes and extracurriculars led to a sudden weight on his chest, a racing heart, and excessive sweating. Initially believing he was experiencing a heart attack, he later received a diagnosis of anxiety disorder after an urgent care visit revealed no physical issues.

Skinner was prescribed medication that helped him cope temporarily, but he soon found therapy to be more beneficial. Over time, therapy taught him to manage his anxiety, shifting from trying to eliminate it to learning how to live with it. For five years, he believed he had largely overcome his anxiety until it resurfaced in January 2026 during a weather segment broadcast. He experienced similar symptoms as before, prompting him to reconsider his mental health.

In recognizing the pattern, he sought therapy again, realizing that managing anxiety rather than eliminating it was key to his well-being. Therapy has continued to help him navigate new challenges, including a recent ADHD diagnosis, offering insights into his behavior and thought processes.

Skinner notes the high-stress nature of his job contributes to mental health challenges, particularly with public scrutiny and unrealistic expectations of accuracy in forecasting. He highlights the importance of self-care practices such as exercise, spending time with friends, and engaging in hobbies to manage his mental health.

He encourages others facing similar struggles to seek help, stating that resources are available for those in need. These include the National Alliance on Mental Illness and Triangle Family Services, which provides free mental health services. Skinner urges anyone experiencing a mental health crisis to reach out for assistance, citing several hotlines available for support.