If you have ever experienced a panic attack while scuba diving, you know how terrifying it can be. The problem is that a panic attack can be deadly. 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. Even worse, you might drown in the ocean, where compressed air can cause your blood to change.
Scuba diving panic attack treatment
Understanding panic attacks while scuba diving is important. Panic can cause injury because the diver cannot think clearly and is unable control their actions. They are focused on getting to the surface and their actions can be unpredictable and dangerous. Panic can be a physiological response of severe stress. It affects one's ability control his actions and pay attention. This can cause dangerous behavior and can even lead to death.
There are several things that can help you avoid panic attacks. Divers should be alert to their surroundings and learn how to communicate with each other.
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. If your diver is having panic attacks, you should ask him/her for help.
An anxious diver should be calmed down, reassured, and encouraged to relax. Avoid him or her running off to the side of your dive. This may further agitate the situation, and could endanger you. You should also avoid latching onto the diver to trigger an attack. This could result in the diver losing control over their air supply and becoming immobile. If you're unable to calm your diver, please keep your distance and make every effort to get him/her out of the water quickly.
Divers can experience panic attacks while diving. There are many possible causes. If a diver is sensitive to caffeine or alcohol, panic attacks can occur. 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. Rapid breathing and an increase of carbon dioxide in the body are two signs that panic attacks cause. Your brain responds by sending stress hormones, signaling your heart to work harder, and telling you to breathe easier. This can cause a depletion of your oxygen tank. 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. Try to swim at a shallower depth or climb at a slower, safer rate. This will help you get past panic and keep the dive going.