Scuba Anxieties!
Jo asks:
Hello Bill, I am in a scuba class and am finding that I am not as comfortable in the water as I thought as I would be and find myself with mini-anxiety attacks. I’m not used to being underwater and I would really like to work on this challenge and am wondering if you could provide me with any breathing tips, or any other tips that will allow me to be more comfortable in the water.
Overcoming scuba anxieties,
Jo
Answer:
Hi Jo,
Hmmmm . . . . I don’t know if I have any “breathing tips” per se but I would highly recommend getting in more pool time. As you’ve said, you’re not used to being underwater (none of us are when we first begin scuba) so you should get used to being underwater by being underwater. I’m quite familiar with the mini-anxiety attacks you mention and as long as they are only “mini” attacks they will probably go away the more accustomed you become to being underwater.
Your objective should be to relax. Any breathing style that helps you get relaxed will help but normally the longer and slower the inhalations and exhalations the more relaxed you’ll become. Some people say that focusing on another part of the experience helps. For instance, many people get a little claustrophobic from being underwater so if you focus instead on the sensation of the cool water against your face you will be shifting the focus of your attention. If you really feel that this is going to be a problem you might want to schedule a date with your instructor for additional pool sessions. Of course, that brings up an important safety point which is to do all of this under the supervision of your instructor. Do not attempt to jump in your pool at home and work on it. It’s simply not worth the risk.
I also recommend that for people who have any sort of anxiety about diving that they always arrive for their classes early. If you’re there early you have time to think, relax, and take your time. If you’re wheeling into the parking lot 5 minutes after the pool session was supposed to begin you’re going to be very hard to relax and you’re more likely to make mistakes as you rush to catch up with the rest of the class. On the boat, get your gear and everything set up when you get on the boat. If you stay one step ahead of everything you won’t feel rushed and you’ll be able to relax much easier in the water.
One of the things I’ve always found funny in a way is that scuba diving can be one of the most relaxing things you can do. You are floating weightless being treated to an amazing show put on by Mother Nature. Your heart rate and your breathing fall into a smooth, steady, slow rhythm. It’s almost like meditation. The funny part is that for many people just learning to dive it is anything but relaxing. They see nothing on the dives because of the adrenaline rush going on inside them. Instead of relaxing their breathing and heart rate shoot up as they deal with all of the anxieties of this new environment. But those who stick with it are well rewarded.
Please let me know if I can be of any other help.
Bill
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