Scuba Diving Anxiety and Panic
Being Nervous Underwater Should not Impact on Your Dive
There are reasons why panic and anxiety occurs and ways for worried divers to deal with these. Underwater nerves can and should be addressed.
Anxiety underwater is a common problem in scuba diving but is rarely discussed. That sudden panicky feeling as you realise you're under the water, away from your natural world. Fear and anxiety has its place in diving, as these are the body's response to threat. If you suddenly run out of air, or a large pack of sharks is circulating in decreasing circles of course you're going to feel stressed.
Dr Richard D. Telford in Take Care of Yourself states that “one of the most important skills in life is that of controlling your stress rather than allowing it to control you.” Dealing with anxiety underwater and preventing it progressing to full-blown panic and uncontrollable actions is vital while scuba diving.
Confront Anxiety Before Leaving Home
Start controlling your fears before leaving home for a dive. Ask yourself if the dive is within your capability; mentally and physically. Will it be a deep dive? Or a penetration dive on a wreck? If this isn't your idea of diving pleasure, don't do the dive. If you've never done this type of dive before and are feeling anxious, research the dive before booking. Ask about the dive and find out if it is within your capability.
Address Stress Before Entering the Water
If you decide to go and are still anxious, let the divemaster know your feelings. They will welcome the knowledge, as the divemaster will want to know the capability of every diver in the party. If the divemaster knows there are a few scared divers who may panic underwater they can arrange buddy pairs so the experienced divers are spread around.
Tell your buddy you are a little anxious. Talking out your concerns is good as it can get it out into the open. Your buddy will be grateful you've explained about your anxiety, as every diver wants to know their buddy's capabilities.
Checking Equipment Reduces Anxiety
Knowing your equipment is in top working order can reduce stress as one potential problem is eliminated. Does your regulator need a service? Are the buoyancy compensator or fin straps ready to break? It's better to replace them now than have them fail 30 metres below.
Preventing Anxiety Underwater
Underwater is where it all happens. The best way to allay any fears is to simply enjoy the dive. You know what to expect, you've checked your gear is in top condition and you're with an experienced dive buddy. Everything is fine! If any problems are to arise it is because you've put yourself in a situation you didn't expect. Your dive plan might have said not to go into any caves but now your buddy wants to. Well don't go in.
What if a Panic Attack Hits?
If the unthinkable happens and you suddenly have a panic attack, try to relax. If possible, settle to the bottom and concentrate on your breathing, taking long, slow breaths. Another trick is to look at the surface. At 20 metres the surface looks so close you could reach out and touch it, a comforting thought! Let your buddy know what has happened and make a decision whether to continue the dive or abort. Moving to a more shallow area for a few minutes then going back down to the deeper water can sometimes help.
Panic attacks and anxiety should not be taken lightly while scuba diving. They can be potentially dangerous not only for you, but your buddy and dive party as well. But with careful planning and forethought the potential for problems can be reduced.
