You've probably experienced panic attacks while scuba diving. The problem is that a panic attack can be deadly. You may find yourself holding your breath, hyperventilating, or wasting your air supply. As a result, you will lose your ability to see clearly and may make foolish decisions. Worse, you may die as you breathe compressed air, which changes your blood chemistry, ten to fifty meters below the surface.
P panic attack treatment for scuba diving
The first step in treating panic attacks while scuba diving involves understanding the causes. 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, a physiological response to severe stresses, can impair a person's ability to control their actions or pay attention to the surroundings. This can cause dangerous behavior and can even lead to 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
You can check if your buddy is calm and relaxed when you're scuba diving. Early panic may indicate that your buddy is looking blankly and unable to make eyecontact. When a diver appears to be having a panic attack, ask him or her to 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. Avoid grabbing onto the diver and triggering an attack. You could make the diver lose control over their air supply, and cause them to become 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.
A panic attack while scuba diving can have many causes. One reason a diver might experience panic attacks while scuba diving is that they may be sensitive to caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine and alcohol can also increase your chances of experiencing panic attacks, so it is important to avoid these substances before diving.
You can use these observations to distract from panic attacks while scuba diving
Observations are a powerful way to distract yourself from focusing on the panic attack. Panic attacks are characterized by rapid breathing and higher 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. However, this can lead to a decrease in oxygen levels. You must take immediate action if panic attacks are threatening.
When panic attacks are approaching, you can focus on familiar sensations such as water on your skin or the dive watch. If possible, swim shallower or ascend at a slow, safe rate. This will help you get past panic and keep the dive going.