Anyone who has ever had a panic attack while diving knows how frightening it can be. A panic attack can lead to serious consequences. Hyperventilating and holding your breathe can all lead to panic attacks that can leave you with a high blood pressure, suffocating your air supply, and possibly even causing you to lose your ability to breathe. In the process, your visibility will decline and you'll likely do stupid things like make silly decisions. Worse, your life could be endangered if you are submerged in water for ten to fifty feet.
The treatment of panic attacks while scubadiving
Treatment of panic attack scuba diving begins with understanding the factors that trigger panic. Panic attacks can cause injury if a diver is unable think clearly or control their actions. Their only focus is to get to the surface. Their actions are unpredictable and potentially dangerous. Panic is a physiological reaction to severe stress. It impairs the ability of a person to control their actions and pay attention in the environment. This can lead a person to engage in dangerous behavior that can even lead them to their death.
There are several ways to stop panic attacks before they escalate. Divers should remain alert to their surroundings, and communicate with other divers.
Panic attack signs for scuba diving
You can check if your buddy is calm and relaxed when you're scuba diving. It could be an indication of panic if your buddy stares blankly at you and can't make eye contact. Ask your diver to stop panicking if he or she appears to be in a panic attack.
The diver who panics must be calmed and reassured. He or she must avoid bolting over the side of the dive, as this may further agitate the situation and endanger the diver. It's also important to avoid triggering the attack by latching on to him or her. You could make the diver lose control over their air supply, and cause them to become immobile. If you're unable to calm your diver, please keep your distance and make every effort to get him/her out of the water quickly.
There are many reasons panic attacks while scuba diving may occur. For example, a diver may be prone to panic attacks if they are sensitive to caffeine or alcohol. Caffeine and alcohol can also increase your chances of experiencing panic attacks, so it is important to avoid these substances before diving.
Observations to distract yourself from focusing on panic attack scuba diving
Observations can be a powerful distraction from the panic attack. The body's reaction to panic is rapid breathing and increased levels of carbon dioxide. Your brain responds to the increase in carbon dioxide by sending out stress hormones and signaling your heart and lungs to work harder. However, this action can reduce your supply of oxygen. If you feel panic attacks coming on, take steps to lessen the severity.
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. Swim shallower and ascend at a safe, slow pace if possible. This can help you overcome panic and allow you to continue diving.