You've probably experienced panic attacks while scuba diving. A panic attack can lead to serious consequences. Hyperventilating and holding your breathe can all lead to panic attacks that can leave you with a high blood pressure, suffocating your air supply, and possibly even causing you to lose your ability to breathe. In the process, your visibility will decline and you'll likely do stupid things like make silly decisions. Worse, your life could be endangered if you are submerged in water for ten to fifty feet.
P panic attack treatment for 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 is a physiological reaction to severe stress. It impairs the ability of a person to control their actions and pay attention in the environment. This can cause dangerous behavior and can even lead to death.
There are many things that can be done once panic attacks start to subside. For instance, divers should stay alert to the surroundings and learn to communicate with other divers.
Scuba diving panic attacks signs
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. Your buddy may appear to be staring blankly or unable make eye contact. This could indicate early panic. Ask your diver to stop panicking if he or she appears to be in a panic attack.
It is important to calm down panicked divers and give them reassurance. A panicked diver should not try to escape the diving area. Doing so could cause more anxiety and even worsen the situation. It's also important to avoid triggering the attack by latching on to him or her. This could cause the diver to lose control of their air supply and become immobile. Keep a safe distance from the diver and help them to get out of the water.
Many reasons can lead to panic attacks while scubadiving. A diver who is sensitive to alcohol or caffeine may experience panic attacks. It is important to limit caffeine and alcohol intake before diving.
These observations will distract you from worrying about panic attack scuba diving
Observations are an effective way to distract from panic attacks. Panic attacks can cause rapid breathing and an increase in carbon dioxide levels. Your brain reacts to an increase in carbon dioxide levels by producing stress hormones. This signals your heart and lungs that it is working harder. However, this action can reduce your supply of oxygen. If panic attacks start, do what you can to stop them.
Once you are aware that panic attacks may be approaching, it is worth focusing on familiar sensations, such water on the skin or the dive watches. Assist at a slower pace and swim shallower if you can. This will help you get through panic attacks and continue the dive.