A panic attack can be terrifying if you've ever scuba dived. Panic attacks can be fatal. You may find yourself holding your breath, hyperventilating, or wasting your air supply. In the process, your visibility will decline and you'll likely do stupid things like make silly decisions. Even worse, you might drown in the ocean, where compressed air can cause your blood to change.
P panic attack treatment for 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. 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 lead to dangerous behavior, and can even result in death.
There are several things that can help you avoid panic attacks. Divers should be alert to their surroundings and learn how to communicate with each other.
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. You may notice a sign that your buddy is having panic attacks. If a diver seems to be experiencing panic attacks, ask him/her to take a step back.
A panicked diver must be calmed down and reassured. A panicked diver should not try to escape the diving area. Doing so could cause more anxiety and even worsen the situation. Avoid grabbing onto the diver and triggering an attack. You could make the diver lose control over their air supply, and cause them to 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.
There are many reasons panic attacks while scuba diving may occur. One reason a diver might experience panic attacks while scuba diving is that they may be sensitive to caffeine and alcohol. You should also avoid caffeine or alcohol 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. Rapid breathing and an increase of carbon dioxide in the body are two signs that panic attacks cause. Your brain responds to increased carbon dioxide levels by emitting stress hormones. These hormones signal your heart and lung to work harder. But this can also deplete your oxygen supply. If you feel panic attacks coming on, take steps to lessen the severity.
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.