Subtle signs of stress are just that, signs of stress. But not necessarily impending panic. For more experienced divers, I might pay attention and continue to monitor but experienced divers typically know how to manage small stressors. And one can always watch for the reaction to the stress. In the OP's first example, it could be that the stressed diver recognized it and removed the stress by exiting the wreck. In the second example, if the diver quickly reset and resumed good skills, that could be an indicator that the diver dealt with whatever the stressor was. (Not enough detail in the third example to clearly understand the situation.)
I've found myself in a situation where there was either a stressor or my skill lapsed and I removed the stressor or did something to reset and focus on resuming proper skill.
An observer might be able to see the slight increase in stress but it wasn't indicative of pending panic. A buddy should observe, if an opportunity presents a simple "Ok?" can offset the stressor, but if the diver doesn't manage the stress that's when a support action could be appropriate.
I've found myself in a situation where there was either a stressor or my skill lapsed and I removed the stressor or did something to reset and focus on resuming proper skill.
An observer might be able to see the slight increase in stress but it wasn't indicative of pending panic. A buddy should observe, if an opportunity presents a simple "Ok?" can offset the stressor, but if the diver doesn't manage the stress that's when a support action could be appropriate.
