Do you remember panic attacks that you experienced while scuba diving? The problem is that a panic attack can be deadly. Hyperventilating and holding your breathe can all lead to panic attacks that can leave you with a high blood pressure, suffocating your air supply, and possibly even causing you to lose your ability to breathe. You'll lose your vision and make poor decisions. Even worse, you might drown in the ocean, where compressed air can cause your blood to change.
Scuba diving panic attack treatment
Understanding panic attacks while scuba diving is important. Panic can cause injury because the diver cannot think clearly and is unable control their actions. Their only goal is to reach the surface. They act erraticly and can be 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 cause dangerous behavior and can even lead to death.
Once a panic attack begins, there are several things that can be done to avoid further damage. Divers must be aware of their surroundings and be able to communicate with one another.
Panic attack signs for scuba diving
You can check if your buddy is calm and relaxed when you're scuba diving. 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. Avoid running over to the side of a dive. This could further escalate the situation and potentially endanger the diver. It's also important to avoid triggering the attack by latching on to him or her. This could result in the diver losing control over their air supply and becoming immobile. If you are unable to calm the diver, keep a safe distance, and try to help him or her out of the water as soon as possible.
Many reasons can lead to panic attacks while scubadiving. A diver who is sensitive to alcohol or caffeine may experience panic attacks. Additionally, caffeine or alcohol can increase the risk of having an attack, so it's important to limit these substances before diving.
These observations will distract you from worrying about panic attack scuba diving
Observations can help you to avoid panic attacks. Panic attacks can cause rapid breathing and an increase in carbon dioxide levels. Your brain responds to the increase in carbon dioxide by sending out stress hormones and signaling your heart and lungs to work harder. However, this action can reduce your supply of oxygen. If panic attacks start, do what you can to stop them.
When panic attacks are approaching, you can focus on familiar sensations such as water on your skin or the dive watch. Try to swim at a shallower depth or climb at a slower, safer rate. This can help you push through the panic and continue the dive.