What steps can I take as a diver to help with underwater diver stress. When you encounter a potentially seious problem - whether your own problem or someone else's. There are four things to do to help with this problem.
1. STOP
Whatever caused this stress, just stop what you are doing. If you need to hold onto a rock, or plant your hand in the sand, do it. Just stop swimming. Remain still, conserve energy. If your stress is due to an increased breathing rate then stoppinmg is a good thing to do. Read my last blog on hypercapnia, and the first cause of that condition. Stopping is good.
2. BREATHE
Just breathe normally, concentrate on breathing in deep and slow. Remember that no matter what caused the stress, you still have air in your tank, and all is OK. This helps calm you so you can think clearly. If your buddy is breathing fast help him getr control of his rate. Stop, above, will help with this as well.
3. THINK
Think of the most direct, simple way to solve and overcome the problem.
If it was your breathing rate, then you have this under control. Are you tangled in lines or a fishing net ? What is the best way to cut free. Don't panic, all is ok.
4. ACT
Put into action the steps you thought through.
If the above does not relieve the situation after one or two tries. start over: stop, breathe, think and act.
These 4 steps seem like they may take along time to perform, where in reality, will only take a few minutes. More importantly, by training yourself to follow these steps, you avoid blind instinctive reactions that often lead to ineffective results. Through practice and training and by mentally rehearsing how to respond in various situations, you'll be able to act correctly, decisively, and calmly when facing a problem.
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