If you have ever experienced a panic attack while scuba diving, you know how terrifying it can be. Panic attacks can be fatal. A panic attack can cause you to hold your breath, hyperventilate, and waste your air supply. This will cause you to lose your sight and lead you to make bad decisions. You could even drown ten to fifty metres below the water, inhaling compressed air that alters the chemistry and causing you to die.
Treatment of panic attack scuba diving
Understanding panic attacks while scuba diving is important. Panic can lead to injury because a diver is unable to think clearly and consciously control their actions. Their only focus is to get to the surface. Their actions are unpredictable and potentially dangerous. Panic, a physiological response to severe stresses, can impair a person's ability to control their actions or pay attention to the surroundings. 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.
Signs of panic attack scuba diving
Keep an eye out for your buddy when you go scuba diving with them. This will help to determine if they are in a relaxed mood. Your buddy may appear to be staring blankly or unable make eye contact. This could indicate early panic. Ask your diver to stop panicking if he or she appears to be in a panic attack.
It is important to calm down panicked divers and give them reassurance. A panicked diver should not try to escape the diving area. Doing so could cause more anxiety and even worsen the situation. It is also important to not grab on to the diver, as this could trigger an attack. This could cause the diver to lose control of their air supply and become immobile. You should not attempt to calm the diver. Instead, you should keep your distance and get the diver out of the water as quickly as possible.
Divers can experience panic attacks while diving. There are many possible causes. For example, a diver may be prone to panic attacks if they are sensitive to caffeine or alcohol. You should also avoid caffeine or alcohol 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. The physical reaction of panic involves rapid breathing and increased carbon dioxide in the body. 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. You must take immediate action if panic attacks are threatening.
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 will help you get past panic and keep the dive going.