## How to Inhibit Your Panic Response Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is an amazing way to experience the underwater world. However, it can also be a daunting experience, especially for those who are new to the activity. One of the most common fears associated with scuba diving is the fear of panic.
Panic can lead to a number of dangerous situations, including:
Rushing to the surface: This can cause decompression sickness, which can be a serious medical condition.
Dropping your weight belt: This can cause you to sink to the bottom of the ocean.
Losing your regulator: This can cause you to drown.
If you are feeling panicked while scuba diving, it is important to take steps to calm yourself down. Here are a few tips:
1. Breathe slowly and deeply. This will help to oxygenate your brain and calm your heart rate.
2. Focus on your surroundings. Take a look around and focus on the beauty of the underwater world. This will help to distract you from your panic.
3. Talk to your dive buddy. Let them know that you are feeling panicked and ask for their help.
4. Ascend slowly. If you are feeling overwhelmed, it is important to ascend slowly and safely.
If you are unable to control your panic, it is important to abort the dive and surface immediately.
## Preventing Panic Attacks
In addition to learning how to control your panic response, there are a number of things you can do to prevent panic attacks from happening in the first place. Here are a few tips:
Be prepared. Make sure you have the proper training and equipment before you go scuba diving.
Start slowly. Don’t try to do too much too soon. Start with short, shallow dives and gradually increase the depth and duration of your dives as you gain experience.
Dive with a buddy. Having a dive buddy can provide you with support and assistance in the event of an emergency.
Take breaks. If you are feeling tired or overwhelmed, take a break and rest.
Listen to your body. If you are experiencing any symptoms of panic, such as shortness of breath, dizziness, or lightheadedness, it is important to surface immediately.
## Conclusion
Scuba diving is a great way to experience the underwater world. However, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with the activity, including the risk of panic. By following the tips in this article, you can learn how to control your panic response and prevent panic attacks from happening in the first place.
### Additional Resources
[PADI’s Guide to Preventing and Managing Panic Attacks](https://www.padi.com/articles/preventing-managing-panic-attacks)
[NAUI’s Guide to Panic Control](https://www.naui.org/training/recreational-training/panic-control)
[SSI’s Guide to Managing Anxiety and Panic Underwater](https://www.ssiusa.org/training/divemaster/anxiety-and-panic-management)