Anyone who has ever had a panic attack while diving knows how frightening it can be. Panic attacks can be fatal. 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. You could even drown ten to fifty metres below the water, inhaling compressed air that alters the chemistry and causing you to die.
Treatment of panic attack scuba diving
Scuba diving panic attacks can be treated by learning how to recognize the triggers. 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 can even result in death.
There are several ways to stop panic attacks before they escalate. For instance, divers should stay alert to the surroundings and learn to communicate with other divers.
Signs of panic attack while scubadiving
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. Early panic may indicate that your buddy is looking blankly and unable to make eyecontact. 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. 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. 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. For example, a diver may be prone to panic attacks if they are sensitive to caffeine or alcohol. Additionally, caffeine or alcohol can increase the risk of having an attack, so it's important to limit these substances before diving.
Observations to distract yourself from focusing on panic attack scuba diving
Observations can be a powerful distraction from the panic attack. 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. This can cause a depletion of your oxygen tank. Therefore, if you feel that a panic attack is coming on, you must do something to reduce the effects of the attack.
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. Try to swim at a shallower depth or climb at a slower, safer rate. This will allow you to push through panic and continue your dive.