Diving can be one of the most enjoyable, most mind-expanding lifelong hobbies you can pick up.
But, given the nature of the sport, it can also be one of the most dangerous.
From managing your equipment, to managing your dive speed/time, to other uncontrollable variables common in the ocean, there are plenty of things to cause panic.
Panic however is one of the worst things that can happen to a diver.
Dangers of panicking while diving
Panic is basically an uncontrollable and sudden surge of overwhelming anxiety and tension. It is mostly accompanied by fear and thought process. People face such a panic attack while attempting diving. This mostly happens for the inexperienced divers.
If you have gone for a trip and planned to indulge in an adventure activity like diving, you may face such panic just before diving. Since this is an uncontrollable surge of fear and anxiety, people fail to understand its impact.
There are various dangers of diving. A brief understanding of this will help you to stay calm and quiet before attempting diving.
Some of the most common effects of a panic attack are lightheadedness, discomfort and headache. Also once this anxiety becomes chronic, the people may start to experience long term health hazards.
For example hypertension, lack of sleep, continuous anxiety, and fear reduce the efficacy of the immunity system. This results in various disorders since virus and bacteria can easily attack such an in immune body. Also depression, a sense of guilt, etc. are some other effects of panic.
One of the instant impacts of a panic attack while diving involves blackout. A higher degree of a panic attack may lead to cause a heart attack. Also if you seek to dive even after facing a panic you will not be able to enjoy the experience. Rather you may face a cardiac arrest while in the water.
Since our brain stops working if we have a panic attack, we cannot follow the instructions provided by the diving manager. That way you will not be able to save yourself if water gets inside your mask. This has caused fatal accidents earlier and we want you to stay safe.
Different diving occasions
Diving in enclosed places like pools
People often face a panic attack while diving in an enclosed place like a pool.
But pools are some of the safest places you can dive! You may exclaim. Well, compared to the open ocean, yes they are “safer” but there are still risks and dangers involved that can quicken the heart.
This may happen due to the fact that they feel claustrophobic with the site of an enclosed water body. Also, it may happen if a person is afraid of the depth of the enclosed water body.
Our suggestion is that you should try to avoid diving if you are not sure about the depth of the pool. You may talk to the pool management to learn about the depth and dive only under the supervision of an expert.
Spend a lot of time in the pool, just floating, swimming, and snorkeling. If moving is difficult you may experiment with assisted propulsion devices like underwater scooters for example, to help get more comfortable moving around fully submersed.
If you are not sure about the depth or your diving skill, you may first try to stand in the water and normally swim. Only then opt for diving from a certain height. A keen knowledge of the depth and breadth of the pool will boost your confidence.
2. Diving in an ocean
Needless to say, diving in an ocean requires extensive experience, expertise and licence.
Common people cannot and should not dive in an ocean. Because it has multiple unforeseen circumstances and if you aren’t particularly aware of diving trouble into an ocean, you may face some troubles.
3. Cave diving
This type of diving requires enough experience. Generally, the recreational limit of diving is 130 feet. Talk to the supervisor to learn about the depth of the cave before diving. This will reduce your sense of fear.
4. Recreational diving
Common people who are enthusiastic about adventure sports can indulge in recreational diving. This is one of the major attractions in the tourist sites.
Prepare for this a few months before so that you don’t face any anxiety before actually diving. You may also try to watch the videos beforehand so that you have a brief idea of recreational diving.
5. Fishing diving
Yes, this is a real thing. Here you may catch fish while diving. For that, you need to have proper expertise because you have to two things: diving and then start fishing.
6. Exploring diving
If you are adventurer, you will find this interesting. Scuba Diving is one of such activities.
7. Photography diving
Here you will get to click pictures of the beauty under the sea and also some cool profile pictures while diving.
Key Benefits of Controlled Breathing While Diving
1. If you stay calm you will know where you are and what you should do. That way you will not lose your sense and enjoy the adventure.
2. It will keep your nerve steady, it will help to reduce and avoid any risk.
3. It will help you to stay focused and dive.
4. If you are calm and quiet you will not require much oxygen and you will be able to control breath and stay for a longer time under the sea.
If you are an adventure enthusiast this is a great plus point because you will be able to enjoy the surrounding for a longer time. If you are spending bucks for diving then you should make every penny count.
Once you achieve the status of pro-diver your world of adventure expand significantly. There are always new mountains to conquer and you can always hone your skills, like doing frogman training for example.
Pro tips to stay calm
1. First and foremost meditation is one of the best means to keep your nerve steady and mind calm. If you haven’t started it yet it’s high time to do so. It will not only keep you calm while diving but you will notice a change in every aspect of your life. You will behave more rationally and practically.
2. Talk to the supervisor and dive only under the supervision of the experts. They will motivate you and help you to stay calm.
3. Watch videos of diving. It will help you to learn about the area and boost your confidence.
4. If you are adventurous and seeking to dive in a recreational spot learn all about it. Comprehensive knowledge of the spot will enhance your confidence.
5. Start your journey by experiencing diving in a little pool. Don’t opt for diving from a great height. First, start from a pool and then gradually broaden your limit. That way you will be able to overcome your fear.
We hope this article has been informative and helpful for you. Comment down below and share your thoughts with us.