Fear of deep water
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Blackwood
Contributor
As a member of my dive team is wont to say: Nothing to it but to do it.
To me, that seems the best way to combat irrational fears. Once there, you'll realize there's nothing to be afraid of.
To me, that seems the best way to combat irrational fears. Once there, you'll realize there's nothing to be afraid of.
CeeTee,
Relax and try to have fun! When you start to feel the fear come on, stop take a deep sanity breath and realize that you have air. It does not matter if you are 20 feet or 200 feet deep, as long as you have air you are ok. Make sure before you get started with class that you tell your instructor that you have this fear. This will allow him/her to pay more attention to you. I hate when one of my students don't tell me something like this and panic and bolt for the surface. Most importantly don't do anything that you feel like you may lose control over, if it takes you a little longer to pass your class, no harm done. Relax, have fun and block the fear from your mind. Good luck with your class and I wish you the best.
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Captain Morgan
Contributor
I truly believe Blackwood didn't mean anything malicious with that comment. Generally speaking, phobias are classified as "irrational fears." It is a medical term which basically means an anxiety disorder of being afraid of something that poses little or no danger. i.e. being afraid of the dark, water, tight spaces, bugs, heights, midgets...etc. It is a fear that is recognized as being excessive or unreasonable, hence "irrational."
The best way to deal with it is on the onset when the fear starts to manifest in your head. It is important to remain calm and keep your composure about yourself. Don't do anything stupid like jet to the surface or start wailing your hands all over the place freaking out. Stop immediately...take a few slow deep breaths, comfort yourself by telling yourself it's all in your head and that you'll be just fine...keep repeating it. Remember, you're in control...and tell yourself that as well. You can overcome it. By facing your fear and exposing it and through positive reinforcement, you can create a systematic desensitization to it. BAM!!! GONE!!!
And that is the conclusion of the lesson for this evening! :read:
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Where are you getting certified? It might help to be able to use the anticipation of the sights you'll be able to enjoy in order to calm yourself when you begin to feel anxious. Also, the recommendation that you discuss your fears with your instructor are right on the money. He/she will make every effort to work with you to overcome them and focus on your progress in class.
Good for you in facing a fear and still going ahead with this great sport. I wigh you nothing but success!! Keep all of us here at SB posted.
Good for you in facing a fear and still going ahead with this great sport. I wigh you nothing but success!! Keep all of us here at SB posted.
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When you understand the equipment and process, such fear is irrational by definition. You will be taught this understanding in the classroom and in the pool at 4' of depth.
Until you understand the efficacy of reliance upon the equipment, until you adopt the understanding and apply it to your fears.... advise your instructor and stay in the shallow end.
don Francisco
Contributor
I've always determined the line for deep water based on whether I can stand on the bottom and still breathe or not. From 5-6 feet to 35,000 feet it's all the same to me.
There are all kinds of ways to get over it. Since you're already comfortable in water over your head (I assume you're not 10' tall) you're not totally afraid of the water and should be able to work through it with some coaching and confidence building. It may be as simple as the confidence you get from having a reliable air source, as in Scuba.
There are all kinds of ways to get over it. Since you're already comfortable in water over your head (I assume you're not 10' tall) you're not totally afraid of the water and should be able to work through it with some coaching and confidence building. It may be as simple as the confidence you get from having a reliable air source, as in Scuba.
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