You've probably experienced panic attacks while scuba diving. A panic attack can lead to serious consequences. 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. Worse, your life could be endangered if you are submerged in water for ten to fifty feet.
Panic attack treatment scuba diving
Treatment of panic attack scuba diving begins with understanding the factors that trigger panic. Panic can lead injury when a diver cannot think clearly and control their actions. They are focused on getting to the surface and their actions can be unpredictable and 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 to dangerous behavior, and can even result in death.
There are many things that can be done once panic attacks start to subside. Divers should remain alert to their surroundings, and communicate with other divers.
Signs of panic attack while scubadiving
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. If a diver seems to be experiencing panic attacks, ask him/her to take a step back.
Calming down and reassuring panicked divers is essential. He or she must avoid bolting over the side of the dive, as this may further agitate the situation and endanger the diver. It is also important to not grab on to the diver, as this could trigger an attack. This could result in the diver losing control over their air supply and becoming immobile. If you are unable to calm the diver, keep a safe distance, and try to help him or her out of the water as soon as possible.
Panic attacks can occur while scubadiving for many reasons. A diver who is sensitive to alcohol or caffeine may experience panic attacks. You should also avoid caffeine or alcohol before diving.
Divers can distract themselves from worrying about panic attacks by making observations
Observations are an effective way to distract from panic attacks. 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 panic attacks start, do what you can to stop them.
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. Assist at a slower pace and swim shallower if you can. This can help you push through the panic and continue the dive.