You've probably experienced panic attacks while scuba diving. Panic attacks can prove fatal. This can lead to you hyperventilating and holding your breath. In the process, your visibility will decline and you'll likely do stupid things like make silly decisions. Even worse, you might drown in the ocean, where compressed air can cause your blood to change.
Scuba diving panic attack treatment
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. Their only goal is to reach the surface. They act erraticly and can be dangerous. Panic is a physiological response that occurs when there is severe stress. This can cause panic attacks and make it difficult to control one's behavior and pay attention to the surrounding environment. 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 must be aware of their surroundings and be able to communicate with one another.
Panic attacks in 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. Ask your diver to stop panicking if he or she appears to be in a panic attack.
Calming down and reassuring panicked divers is essential. Avoid running over to the side of a dive. This could further escalate the situation and potentially endanger the diver. Also, it is important not to grab onto the diver in an attempt to startle them. This could result in the diver losing control over their air supply and becoming immobile. 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.
Many reasons can lead to panic attacks while scubadiving. If a diver is sensitive to caffeine or alcohol, panic attacks can occur. Also, drinking caffeine or alcohol can increase the chance of suffering panic attacks so it is important that you limit your intake before diving.
You can use these observations to distract from panic attacks while scuba diving
Observations can help you to avoid panic attacks. Panic attacks can cause rapid breathing and an increase in carbon dioxide levels. Your brain responds to increased carbon dioxide levels by emitting stress hormones. These hormones signal your heart and lung to work harder. But this action can deplete your tank of oxygen. If you feel panic attacks coming on, take steps to lessen the severity.
Once you recognize that a panic attack is approaching, try focusing on familiar physical sensations like water on the skin or the dive watch. Swim shallower and ascend at a safe, slow pace if possible. This will allow you to push through panic and continue your dive.