A panic attack can be terrifying if you've ever scuba dived. Panic attacks can prove fatal. It can result in you holding your breath, hyperventilating, and squandering your air supply. This will cause you to lose your sight and lead you to make bad decisions. You could even drown ten to fifty metres below the water, inhaling compressed air that alters the chemistry and causing you to die.
The treatment of panic attacks while scubadiving
The first step in treating panic attacks while scuba diving involves understanding the causes. Panic can lead to injury because a diver is unable to think clearly and consciously 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 a person to engage in dangerous behavior that can even lead them to their death.
There are many things that can be done once panic attacks start to subside. Divers need to be aware of the surrounding and learn to communicate.
Scuba diving panic attacks signs
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. If your buddy is staring blankly and is unable to make eye contact, that may be a sign of early panic. Ask your diver to get up if they seem to be suffering from panic attacks.
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. You should also avoid latching onto the diver to trigger an attack. This could lead to the diver losing control of their air supply. 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. Panic attacks may also be caused by alcohol and caffeine sensitivities. Also, drinking caffeine or alcohol can increase the chance of suffering panic attacks so it is important that you limit your intake before diving.
These observations will distract you from worrying about panic attack scuba diving
You can distract yourself from panic attacks by using observations. 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. However, this can lead to a decrease in oxygen levels. 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. If possible, swim shallower or ascend at a slow, safe rate. This will allow you to push through panic and continue your dive.