Do you remember panic attacks that you experienced while scuba diving? Panic attacks can be fatal. You may find yourself holding your breath, hyperventilating, or wasting your air supply. Your visibility will decrease and you'll make stupid decisions. Even worse, you might drown in the ocean, where compressed air can cause your blood to change.
P panic attack treatment for scuba diving
Treatment of panic attack scuba diving begins with understanding the factors that trigger panic. Panic can cause injury because the diver cannot think clearly and is unable control their actions. Their sole focus is getting to the surface, and their actions are erratic and dangerous. Panic is a physiological response to severe stress, and it impairs the ability to control a person's actions and pay attention to the environment. This can lead to dangerous behavior, and can even result in death.
Once a panic attack begins, there are several things that can be done to avoid further damage. Divers must be aware of their surroundings and be able to communicate with one another.
Panic attacks in scuba diving
When scuba diving with a partner, keep an eye on your buddy's face to see if he or she is in a relaxed state. Early panic may indicate that your buddy is looking blankly and unable to make eyecontact. If a diver seems to be experiencing panic attacks, ask him/her to take a step back.
An anxious diver should be calmed down, reassured, and encouraged to relax. He or she must avoid bolting over the side of the dive, as this may further agitate the situation and endanger the diver. You should also avoid latching onto the diver to trigger an attack. This could cause the diver to lose control of their air supply and become immobile. If the diver is not calm, maintain a safe distance and try to get them out of water as soon as you can.
Many reasons can lead to panic attacks while scubadiving. A diver who is sensitive to alcohol or caffeine may experience panic attacks. Caffeine and alcohol can also increase your chances of experiencing panic attacks, so it is important to avoid these substances before diving.
These observations will distract you from worrying about panic attack scuba diving
You can distract yourself from panic attacks by using observations. The body's reaction to panic is rapid breathing and increased levels of carbon dioxide. Your brain responds to increased carbon dioxide levels by emitting stress hormones. These hormones signal your heart and lung to work harder. But this can also deplete your oxygen supply. If you feel panic attacks coming on, take steps to lessen the severity.
After you have recognized that panic attacks are coming, you can start to focus on familiar physical sensations such water on the skin, or the dive-watch. Swim shallower and ascend at a safe, slow pace if possible. This will help you get through panic attacks and continue the dive.