If you have ever experienced a panic attack while scuba diving, you know how terrifying it can be. Panic attacks can prove fatal. You may find yourself holding your breath, hyperventilating, or wasting your air supply. This will cause you to lose your sight and lead you to make bad decisions. Even worse, you might drown in the ocean, where compressed air can cause your blood to change.
Treatment of panic attack scuba diving
The first step in treating panic attacks while scuba diving involves understanding the causes. Panic can result in injury as a diver becomes unable to think clearly or control their actions. They have a singular focus on the surface and are dangerously unpredictable. 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 to dangerous behavior and even death.
Once a panic attack begins, there are several things that can be done to avoid further damage. Divers should remain alert to their surroundings, and communicate with other divers.
Scuba diving panic attacks signs
You can check if your buddy is calm and relaxed when you're scuba diving. Your buddy may appear to be staring blankly or unable make eye contact. This could indicate early panic. 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. A panicked diver should not try to escape the diving area. Doing so could cause more anxiety and even worsen the situation. Also, it is important not to grab onto the diver in an attempt to startle them. This could lead to the diver losing control of their air supply. 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.
There are many reasons panic attacks while scuba diving may occur. Panic attacks may also be caused by alcohol and caffeine sensitivities. Also, drinking caffeine or alcohol can increase the chance of suffering panic attacks so it is important that you limit your intake before diving.
These observations will distract you from worrying about panic attack scuba diving
You can distract yourself from panic attacks by using observations. Panic attacks are characterized by rapid breathing and higher levels of carbon dioxide. Your brain responds quickly to an increase of carbon dioxide by emitting stress hormones. This signaling your heart, lungs and heart to work harder. But this can also deplete your oxygen supply. You must take immediate action if panic attacks are threatening.
If panic attacks are imminent, focus on familiar physical sensations, such as water on the skin and the dive watch. If possible, swim shallower or ascend at a slow, safe rate. This can help you push through the panic and continue the dive.