How would u overcome closterphobia?

[arj_scubabunny]

I am recently new to diving, well, a little over a year and just went diving for my 3rd open water dive in Mermet Springs, IL where a sunken 747 lays at about 40 ft, dark and eerie, absoulutely amazing though. The vis was about 3-7ft and 38 degrees in thermocline. Had a blast really, with my Buddy, but when inside of the airplane, as we dove through and as it got colder and more dark the deeper we went, i felt a little chlosterphobic while inside the plane.

Please, any suggestions as to how to overcome this fear of closing in around me?

THX! Ashley Lexington, KY

 

[SueMermaid]

You went INTO a skinny, creepy air plane that was in cold water and darkness? If you didn't feel a little bit claustrophobic, I'd say there was something wrong with you.
That means you are paying attention. It will probably get better with experience.
And if the plane had no cutouts, we can assume that you are properly trained to penetrate wrecks, right? :donthink:

 

[blacknet]

Hello,

I would recomend you leave the overhead and penetrations to the cave/cavern divers. They are specially trained for this and there are way to many death that occurs due to non-quallified divers doing things like this.

Ed

 

[GlockDiver]

Confined spaces training was a breeze for me, so I'd hardly qualify myself as claustrophobic. However, watching a video tape of a wreck dive into a ship made me a little uneasy.

I'd think such feelings are normal, especially in the underwater environment.

Overcoming regular claustrophobia involves exposing yourself to gradually more confined spaces. Physical and mental relaxation are necessary for overcoming the fear. It won't go away overnight, but shouldn't keep you from enjoying diving.

Underwater panic will likely be fatal in a wreck environment. If a short penetration is comfortable, stick to that until your wreck training is 2nd nature. You may also be best advised to seek help from a licensed psychologist before repeating that type of dive.