Anyone who has ever had a panic attack while diving knows how frightening it can be. Panic attacks can be fatal. It can result in you holding your breath, hyperventilating, and squandering your air supply. Your visibility will decrease and you'll make stupid decisions. Worse, your life could be endangered if you are submerged in water for ten to fifty feet.
Panic attack treatment scuba diving
Scuba diving panic attacks can be treated by learning how to recognize the triggers. Panic can lead to injury because a diver is unable to think clearly and consciously control their actions. Their sole focus is getting to the surface, and their actions are erratic and dangerous. Panic, a physiological response to severe stresses, can impair a person's ability to control their actions or pay attention to the surroundings. 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.
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 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. It is also important to not grab on to the diver, as this could trigger an attack. This could cause the diver to lose control of their air supply and become immobile. If the diver is not calm, maintain a safe distance and try to get them out of water as soon as you can.
Panic attacks can occur while scubadiving for many reasons. For example, a diver may be prone to panic attacks if they are sensitive to caffeine or alcohol. It is important to limit caffeine and alcohol intake before diving.
Here are some observations that will help you distract from the panic attack 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 by sending stress hormones, signaling your heart to work harder, and telling you to breathe easier. However, this action can reduce your supply of oxygen. You must take immediate action if panic attacks are threatening.
If panic attacks are imminent, focus on familiar physical sensations, such as water on the skin and the dive watch. Swim shallower and ascend at a safe, slow pace if possible. This can help you push through the panic and continue the dive.