Diving Anxiety

[raininginmyhead4]

So i'm a fairly new diver, and my certification dives didn't go so great last year. We were in the Bahamas, and the weather was crap. It was super windy so we couldn't actually dive out on the reefs, which we figured out after an attempt (four out of twelve divers got ill from the waves, and we lost the rest of the group due to a strong current). The second dive was in a harbor, ie absolutely no sight at any distance.
Anyway, the last dive went really well, and i thought i was over the fear from the first few dives. But i'm going back to Andros in less than a month, and the sick, nervous feeling is back. I love diving while i actually am diving, but there's something about the thought of it that makes me want to cry.
Any advice, anyone who went through similar fears when they first started, and how they got over it? Maybe some assurance that i'm not alone in my fear?
Thanks for the help, and for at least reading this...

> So i'm a fairly new diver, and my certification dives didn't go so great
> last year. We were in the Bahamas, and the weather was crap. It was
> super windy so we couldn't actually dive out on the reefs, which we
> figured out after an attempt (four out of twelve divers got ill from
> the waves, and we lost the rest of the group due to a strong current).
> The second dive was in a harbor, ie absolutely no sight at any
> distance.
> Anyway, the last dive went really well, and i thought i was over the
> fear from the first few dives. But i'm going back to Andros in less
> than a month, and the sick, nervous feeling is back. I love diving
> while i actually am diving, but there's something about the thought of
> it that makes me want to cry.
> Any advice, anyone who went through similar fears when they first
> started, and how they got over it? Maybe some assurance that i'm not
> alone in my fear?
> Thanks for the help, and for at least reading this...

The best advice I have is to take it slow. Find a buddy you enjoy diving,
and doing other things with, and cultivate the friendship. Do easy, bright,
colorful and interesting dives. When weather or other conditions are
uncooperative, do something else that day. Not every day is a perfect diving
day, no matter where you are. Work your way up to more challenging dives and
conditions slowly, gaining confidence and comfort.

Or simply live with being apprehensive before you go diving and enjoy
yourself while you're diving.

Lee

raininginmyhead4 wrote:
> So i'm a fairly new diver, and my certification dives didn't go so great
> last year.

<snip>

> Any advice, anyone who went through similar fears when they first
> started, and how they got over it? Maybe some assurance that i'm not
> alone in my fear?
> Thanks for the help, and for at least reading this...

I think you just need some nice, easy dives in a reasonably
uncomplicated environment to practice your skills and build some
confidence. Also, consider avoiding situations where you are forced to
perform at someone else's pace for a bit, and take it slow. After a
while you'll be surprised at what you can do without a second thought.

Training and practice should suffice in the long run--honest!

Good luck,

--
John Eells

raininginmyhead4 wrote:
> So i'm a fairly new diver, and my certification dives didn't go so great
> last year. We were in the Bahamas, and the weather was crap. It was
> super windy so we couldn't actually dive out on the reefs, which we
> figured out after an attempt (four out of twelve divers got ill from
> the waves, and we lost the rest of the group due to a strong current).
> The second dive was in a harbor, ie absolutely no sight at any
> distance.
> Anyway, the last dive went really well, and i thought i was over the
> fear from the first few dives. But i'm going back to Andros in less
> than a month, and the sick, nervous feeling is back. I love diving
> while i actually am diving, but there's something about the thought of
> it that makes me want to cry.
> Any advice, anyone who went through similar fears when they first
> started, and how they got over it? Maybe some assurance that i'm not
> alone in my fear?
> Thanks for the help, and for at least reading this...
>
>


Take your time about doing challenging dives, in challenging conditions.
Learn this rule: Anyone can cancel a dive, for any reason, be it
conditions, anxiety, or "I just don't feel right". Dive with others who
understand and accept this.

IT sounds like your issue is not with the actual diving part, but the
entry and exit. Choose dives where this will not be as much of an
issue. Pick dives where the sea conditions are smoother and calmer
before doing dives in rougher seas.

But never forget that you, or your dive buddy, have the right to thumb a
dive at any time, before or during the dive, for any reason.

--
“TANSTAAFL”
__________________________________________________ __________________________

America: Ironically, the safest place to be anti-American.
__________________________________________________ __________________________
"A prudent man foresees the difficulties ahead and prepares for them;
the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences." - Proverbs 22:3

[Default] Thus spake raininginmyhead4
<raininginmyhead4.357lcj@scubish.com>:

>
>So i'm a fairly new diver, and my certification dives didn't go so great
>last year. We were in the Bahamas, and the weather was crap. It was
>super windy so we couldn't actually dive out on the reefs, which we
>figured out after an attempt (four out of twelve divers got ill from
>the waves, and we lost the rest of the group due to a strong current).
>The second dive was in a harbor, ie absolutely no sight at any
>distance.
>Anyway, the last dive went really well, and i thought i was over the
>fear from the first few dives. But i'm going back to Andros in less
>than a month, and the sick, nervous feeling is back. I love diving
>while i actually am diving, but there's something about the thought of
>it that makes me want to cry.
>Any advice, anyone who went through similar fears when they first
>started, and how they got over it? Maybe some assurance that i'm not
>alone in my fear?
>Thanks for the help, and for at least reading this...

I'm going to agree with the others. You need to find a steady buddy
to dive with. You don't say where you're from, but if you can find
some calm local diving, that will help. In Austin, most people head
out to Lake Travis. Where the viz is anywhere from crap to non
existent. But you learn more in bad conditions.

If you're concerned about motion sickness, talk to a doc about
treatments/preventatives. I recommend meclizine (brand names Bonine
and Dramamine II (not the original)). But try some on dry land first.
I'd call DAN first to get a recommendation for a doc in your area who
is scuba cognizant.

Deep breath in, deep breath out, deep breath in, half breath out,
squeeze.

Ooops, wrong instructions.

Take a deep breath, exhale, another deep breath, hold it.

Ooops, another wrong instruction.

Visualize something happy. Now visualize it happening while you are
diving.

Are you anxious about the trip, the boat ride, or the actual dive?
These three things all have their own particular stresses. Vacations
are supposed to be relaxing but dealing with airports and hotels, and
getting around in a strance place, are usually anything but relaxing.
Airplanes and dive boats are neither of them luxurious. The getting
there is stress city.

Once you're at the dive site, though, it's a different story. It's fine
to be excited, to feel keyed up. There are various relaxation
techniques you can try to make the experience more positive. Anything
resembling panic, though, is a definite red flag. In my opinion, if
you're afraid of diving, you shouldn't be diving.

"raininginmyhead4" <raininginmyhead4.357lcj@scubish.com> wrote in message
news:raininginmyhead4.357lcj@scubish.com...
>
> So i'm a fairly new diver, and my certification dives didn't go so great
> last year. We were in the Bahamas, and the weather was crap. It was
> super windy so we couldn't actually dive out on the reefs, which we
> figured out after an attempt (four out of twelve divers got ill from
> the waves, and we lost the rest of the group due to a strong current).
> The second dive was in a harbor, ie absolutely no sight at any
> distance.
> Anyway, the last dive went really well, and i thought i was over the
> fear from the first few dives. But i'm going back to Andros in less
> than a month, and the sick, nervous feeling is back. I love diving
> while i actually am diving, but there's something about the thought of
> it that makes me want to cry.
> Any advice, anyone who went through similar fears when they first
> started, and how they got over it? Maybe some assurance that i'm not
> alone in my fear?
> Thanks for the help, and for at least reading this...

my dive instructor told me that I was more likely to die in the car the way
to or home from a dive. If I make it into the water I am always to anxious
about the drive home to enjoy the dive

[Default] Thus spake "dechucka" <dechucka@vomithotmail.com>:

>
>"raininginmyhead4" <raininginmyhead4.357lcj@scubish.com> wrote in message
>news:raininginmyhead4.357lcj@scubish.com...
>>
>> So i'm a fairly new diver, and my certification dives didn't go so great
>> last year. We were in the Bahamas, and the weather was crap. It was
>> super windy so we couldn't actually dive out on the reefs, which we
>> figured out after an attempt (four out of twelve divers got ill from
>> the waves, and we lost the rest of the group due to a strong current).
>> The second dive was in a harbor, ie absolutely no sight at any
>> distance.
>> Anyway, the last dive went really well, and i thought i was over the
>> fear from the first few dives. But i'm going back to Andros in less
>> than a month, and the sick, nervous feeling is back. I love diving
>> while i actually am diving, but there's something about the thought of
>> it that makes me want to cry.
>> Any advice, anyone who went through similar fears when they first
>> started, and how they got over it? Maybe some assurance that i'm not
>> alone in my fear?
>> Thanks for the help, and for at least reading this...
>
>my dive instructor told me that I was more likely to die in the car the way
>to or home from a dive. If I make it into the water I am always to anxious
>about the drive home to enjoy the dive
>

Ya know, if I'm diving with friends I know and trust, I really don't
care when I get in the water. But if it's with a bunch of potential
disasters, I'm either first one in and on my way to the bottom or last
one in and likely to get hit by some asshole when he enters.

That's my anxiety level.

[dijeawskee]

HIe There, gud day to U all and sorry for interrupting,

first of all, My name is Java, currently studying at MMU Cyberjaya, malaysia. My major is Interface Design, and currently have a major assignment About Xtreme Activity, so I choose this Scuba diving.

I found this activity's cool yet dangerous, I've seen so many things about this activity in movies or geographic channel. My Purpose here is ask for your favor to share your experience or advantage and disadvantage about the scuba equipment, or maybe u can show the picture how do u use the tools and others. I assure your information will be useful for my final design later.

If anyone pleased, you can contact me through my mail rayanoz@hotmail.com or ryanoz_hero_1@yahoo.com. or

thanks for your attention and have a good day. and im looking forward for ur reply. thanks once again

[dlrrj]

I hope this helps:
I had a huge anxiety problem, mostly it was the same situation as your's; bad conditions, and diving with muppets in the group stressing me out... I would make it in, and then found that the deeper I went the more of a psychological battle I would have with myself... I spoke with a lot of experienced divers on this and came up with some tips. firstly STOP, THINK & ACT. this didnt help at first, I needed to take my mind off my mind (if that makes sense!) one of the best things I was told to do underwater was to hum, YES HUM! or sing into your reg to the fishes. I believe there is some sort of link about the vibrations from the voice calming the brain in mysterious ways- not sure, but it really works for me- sure i might seem a little daft, but it beats cutting your dive short or stopping the sport altogether, because thats just crazy talk!!! I found that my exhale lasts longer and I use less air generally because I concentrate on the breathing out as opposed to gasping....Ive only logged about 48 dives and I still get really nervous (i bought new gear yesterday, diving tomorrow and I cant sleep from the nerves) but you'll see me humming, and if I could smile without taking water I would be! Good luck, I agree with everyone who said dive with people you trust. XX