You've probably experienced panic attacks while scuba diving. The problem is that a panic attack can be deadly. It can result in you holding your breath, hyperventilating, and squandering your air supply. Your visibility will decrease and you'll make stupid decisions. Even worse, you might drown in the ocean, where compressed air can cause your blood to change.
Treatment of panic attack scuba diving
Understanding panic attacks while scuba diving is important. Panic attacks can cause injury if a diver is unable think clearly or control their actions. Their only focus is to get to the surface. Their actions are unpredictable and potentially dangerous. 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 lead to dangerous behavior, and can even result in death.
There are several ways to stop panic attacks before they escalate. Divers must be aware of their surroundings and be able to communicate with one another.
Signs of panic attack while scubadiving
You can check if your buddy is calm and relaxed when you're scuba diving. It could be an indication of panic if your buddy stares blankly at you and can't make eye contact. 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. He or she must avoid bolting over the side of the dive, as this may further agitate the situation and endanger the diver. Avoid grabbing onto the diver and triggering 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.
Panic attacks can occur while scubadiving for many reasons. Panic attacks may also be caused by alcohol and caffeine sensitivities. It is important to limit caffeine and alcohol intake before diving.
You can use these observations to distract from panic attacks while scuba diving
Observations can be a powerful distraction from the panic attack. The body's reaction to panic is rapid breathing and increased 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. However, this can lead to a decrease in oxygen levels. You can reduce panic attacks by taking preventive measures if you feel they are coming on.
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 allow you to push through panic and continue your dive.