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Diver Stress &
Panic Prevention CD set 
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According to statistics compiled at the University of Rhode Island, drowning due to panic is the major cause of scuba diver death. Air embolism, the second leading cause of fatalities, is likewise associated with panic. Apparently, excessive diver anxiety and stress are also the leading causes of “diver-dropout.” Recently, both equipment design and scuba instruction have improved significantly, making sport diving safer. Little progress has been made, however, in correcting the number-one problem in diving – excessive stress leading to panic. With all the advances made in the sport during the past 10 years, little has been accomplished in preventing 150,000 anxious divers from quitting each year. Many instructors feel uncomfortable or incapable of dealing with nervous students because they lack the knowledge, tools or personality to work in the psychological domain of scuba instruction. How, then, should instructors deal with potential drownees and dropouts? Fortunately, help is on the way. A decade of research and testing on sport divers at the University of Maryland and Indiana State University have led to some interesting findings. Summary of Findings Without discussing research methodology, some of the findings are briefly summarized here: (For more specific information concerning methodology and analysis of data, refer to the bibliography at the end of this article.)
Based on the research findings just cited, along with thousands of clinical observations, a practical program for diagnosing and treating diver stress has evolved. Stress management and sport psychology experts were consulted in producing a two-hour audiocassette program entitled Stress and Panic Management for Divers. This is a teaching tool that works. It is a “self-help” program designed for divers and may be used by students and instructors alike. Diver Stress & Panic Prevention 2 CD set $19.95
 The two-hour program is divided into four 30-minute segments. Each half-hour segment gives the listener just enough theory to understand the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of diver stress. Relaxation skills and mental rehearsal exercises are introduced throughout the program and should be practiced while listening to the tapes. The beauty of the program is that the instructor is not required to conduct “therapy.” Once a stressful student is recognized, the tapes may be loaned to the student who may take the tape home to listen and practice at their leisure in the comfort of their own surroundings. Undercurrent magazine states that these tapes should be a staple in the library of anyone who teaches diving. Undercurrent (Vol. 8. #9) goes on to add: “…For our money, it’s the best effort in the diving community to come up with a practical means to control diver stress. The tapes will no doubt keep many divers active who might otherwise surrender to stress and stop diving.” The tapes are excellent for several audiences:
Diver Stress & Panic Prevention 2 CD set $19.95
The four sides of the tapes are as follows: Side 1 - The Causes and Symptoms of Diver Stress: The listener learns the causes and symptoms of diver stress and how to recognize these traits in themselves and others. Under the headings of Causes and Symptoms of diver stress, detailed discussions follow, which include: Physical Causes of Stress: Overloading Sensory Deprivation Time Pressure Equipment Cold Water Poor Fitness/Swimming Ability Strong Currents, Waves, Obstructions Dangerous Marine Life Psychological Causes of Stress: Peer Pressure Social Evaluation Ego Threat Fear of the Unknown Fear of Evaluation Pre-Dive Physiological Signs: Increased Heart Rate Rapid Respiration Muscle Tension Frequent Urination Increased Perspiration Voice Changes Decrease in Skin Temperature Pre-Dive Behavioral Signs: Introversion Tardiness Mental Errors Forgetfulness Extreme Cockiness Irritability In-Water Symptoms: Rapid Respiration The “Wide-Eyed” Look Inefficient Swimming Clinging and Clambering Fixation and Perceptual Narrowing Sudden Surfacing High Treading/Trashing Equipment Rejection Side 2 – Specific Techniques for Panic Prevention: The key point is understanding that breath control and relaxation go hand-in-hand. The listener also learns the “Calming Response”, a technique combining stomach breathing and autogenic phrases. The calming response is a fast and effective way of improving relaxation and performance. Scuba divers, using this technique, can significantly increase breath control and relaxation within 5 – 10 breaths. Many on-site treatments are discussed for nervous divers preparing to make a dive or already in the water. Side 3 – Mental Rehearsal for Controlling Underwater Stress: On this side, the authors place the listeners into a deep state of relaxation and then guide them through mental rehearsal utilizing imagery. This is the same technique that world class athletes use prior to their events. Slow breathing, relaxing, and thinking clearly are strongly emphasized, especially when stressful scenes are rehearsed. Side 4 - Systematic Relaxation Training: On this side, the authors lead the listeners through a number of exercises designed to increase their awareness of physical and muscular stress, while providing several techniques to directly relieve that stress. The listeners are taken through steps for full body relaxation, so when this side is completed they will hopefully have reduced their own physical stress symptoms. If not, they may simply listen to the tape again or go through the same process without the benefit of the tape. After reading and hearing so much about diver stress and panic, instructors finally have a total training package which not only promotes relaxation and performance, but also reduces diver stress and ultimately panic. Diver Stress & Panic Prevention 2 CD set $19.95
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