Anxiety Disorder and Diving.

[codolod]

So, I may have Anxiety Disorder, not sure which, I've just looked up symptoms and have a doctors appointment booked, etc. This has only (to my knowledge) come on since September, after the last time I dived, so I've not yet dived in the condition that I'm in.

I have had 2 underwater panic attacks in my past experience. The second was during my first attempt at the Advanced Open Water deep dive (which I completed a week or so after successfully with no aprehension at all) and the second during my first drift dive training as a dive master. The second time, as I had experienced the feelings previously, was dealt with successfully and I managed to signal my instructor who escorted me to the surface and back to the boat.

If I get diagnosed with a condition such as this, how would it affect the dive trip I'll be taking in June? I really don't want to miss this, it's in Cuba and I've already paid half of my money, some of which was a deposit which I would not get refunded if I withdrew from the trip.

What is anyone's experience with anxiety distorder and diving? I feel like I'd be fine in the water, but since it will be a while since I've dived I'm not sure it would be safe to just go ahead with it without checking.

Thanks!

 

[danvolker]

So, I may have Anxiety Disorder, not sure which, I've just looked up symptoms and have a doctors appointment booked, etc. This has only (to my knowledge) come on since September, after the last time I dived, so I've not yet dived in the condition that I'm in.

I have had 2 underwater panic attacks in my past experience. The second was during my first attempt at the Advanced Open Water deep dive (which I completed a week or so after successfully with no aprehension at all) and the second during my first drift dive training as a dive master. The second time, as I had experienced the feelings previously, was dealt with successfully and I managed to signal my instructor who escorted me to the surface and back to the boat.

If I get diagnosed with a condition such as this, how would it affect the dive trip I'll be taking in June? I really don't want to miss this, it's in Cuba and I've already paid half of my money, some of which was a deposit which I would not get refunded if I withdrew from the trip.

What is anyone's experience with anxiety distorder and diving? I feel like I'd be fine in the water, but since it will be a while since I've dived I'm not sure it would be safe to just go ahead with it without checking.

Thanks!

Most people that are anxious underwater, are unable to learn diving effectively. Most never become peripherally aware, and if they can't relax, they can't ever really enjoy diving.

I would either find a way to 100% cure the root anxiety problem ( assuming it is more than just an underwater phenomenon), or, if it is only occuring underwater, it needs to be 100% fixed in the pool, then in the easiest and most relaxing of open water dive sites, in very shallow water, with direct supervision of a dive instructor. Then just "baby steps".
The other way to go is to just figure that not everyone is "wired" to be a diver. Maybe Golf or hiking, or bird watching, or skiiing or horseback riding....there are plenty of other fun things for you to enjoy.

 

[Kilili]

I grew up terrified of the water, but it all went away when my doctor prescribed Prozac for depression. Without it, I would never have even thought about learning to dive. Meditation and controlled breathing are also good for achieving a relaxed state. Does wonders for your air consumption as well.