Anyone who has ever had a panic attack while diving knows how frightening it can be. Panic attacks can be fatal. You may find yourself holding your breath, hyperventilating, or wasting your air supply. As a result, you will lose your ability to see clearly and may make foolish decisions. Worse, you may die as you breathe compressed air, which changes your blood chemistry, ten to fifty meters below the surface.
Scuba diving panic attack treatment
Scuba diving panic attacks can be treated by learning how to recognize the triggers. Panic can lead injury when a diver cannot think clearly and control their actions. Their only focus is to get to the surface. Their actions are unpredictable and potentially dangerous. Panic can be a physiological response of severe stress. It affects one's ability control his actions and pay attention. This can lead to dangerous behavior and even death.
There are many things you can do to prevent panic attacks from escalating. Divers should remain alert to their surroundings, and communicate with other divers.
Scuba diving panic attacks signs
If you are scuba diving together, it is important to keep an eye on your partner so that you can see if they are relaxed. You may notice a sign that your buddy is having panic attacks. Ask your diver to get up if they seem to be suffering from panic attacks.
It is important to calm down panicked divers and give them reassurance. He or she must avoid bolting over the side of the dive, as this may further agitate the situation and endanger the diver. Avoid grabbing onto the diver and triggering an attack. This could lead to the diver losing control of their air supply. Keep a safe distance from the diver and help them to get out of the water.
Many reasons can lead to panic attacks while scubadiving. Panic attacks may also be caused by alcohol and caffeine sensitivities. Additionally, caffeine or alcohol can increase the risk of having an attack, so it's important to limit these substances before diving.
Here are some observations that will help you distract from the panic attack while scuba diving
Observations are an effective way to distract from panic attacks. Rapid breathing and an increase of carbon dioxide in the body are two signs that panic attacks cause. Your brain responds to the increase in carbon dioxide by sending out stress hormones and signaling your heart and lungs to work harder. But this can also deplete your oxygen supply. You can reduce panic attacks by taking preventive measures if you feel they are coming on.
Once you are aware that panic attacks may be approaching, it is worth focusing on familiar sensations, such water on the skin or the dive watches. You can swim deeper or ascend at an easier, more safe speed if this is possible. This will allow you to push through panic and continue your dive.