Old enemy: Near drowning trauma

[northernone]

Unsure how to word this.

I'm concerned my near drownings as a child will come back to bite me when things go truly pear shaped. Nothing in training has triggered panic. However, I get flashbacks when inhaling water and that feels dangerous. I wouldn't want to let down a team or end up dead. Beyond prevention, any tips how to perhaps work towards building over this mental weakness?

This is borderline unrelated to diving and more ptsd, but with a hard overhead it becomes critical. Any recommended drills?

Thanks,
Cameron

 

[mattia_v]

Honestly? Talk to a qualified psychologist with expertise in post-traumatic stress and phobia. Cognitive therapy is more likely to help you fix this than undirected underwater drills.

 

[northernone]

Came to "advanced" forum for honesty. Thank you. That is good direction.

 

[Spack9]

I feel your pain. I fell and was trapped under a boat when I was 4 years old. I came back to on the boat. I remember it like it was yesterday. I understand why you would be concerned. My experience has never come back to bite me. I do get reminded when I inhale a little water like you mentioned. It takes me back to that moment, but after diving for awhile it does not invoke panic. On a off note, I'm a pilot and have been in a plane crash. Some circumstances do remind me of that time, but It seems more like a strength to me. Like "I've been there done that" type of vibe. For some odd reason, I am a calmer diver due to that event.

 

[Bob DBF]

This is the best advice you will find, regardless of how long the thread continues.

Honestly? Talk to a qualified psychologist with expertise in post-traumatic stress and phobia. Cognitive therapy is more likely to help you fix this than undirected underwater drills.

Your issue is only tangentially related to, not caused by diving.


Good Luck

Bob