SCUBA DIVING: A POWERFUL WEAPON AGAINST STRESS

Stress-related disorders are common in the general population and can affect people of all ages and social backgrounds. Stress-related disorders are caused by an excessive or prolonged response to stress, which can have negative consequences on mental and physical health.
The most common stress-related disorders are anxiety and depression. Anxiety is characterized by excessive fears and worries that can interfere with daily life. Depression is characterized by depressed mood, loss of interest in daily activities and decreased energy. The two disorders can occur simultaneously or separately.

There are also other stress-related disorders such as

•     Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
•     post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and
•     adjustment disorder (ADD).

These disorders can cause symptoms such as recurring thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares, intense fears, difficulty concentrating, exhaustion and sleep disturbances.

It is important to note that stress is a normal and natural phenomenon. However, excessive or prolonged stress can cause mental health problems. Therefore, it is important to recognize the signs of stress-related disorders and seek help if necessary. Effective interventions for stress-related disorders include therapy, medication, relaxation, exercise, lifestyle changes and of course, diving.

It is likely that the global events of 2020 and beyond have had an impact on the stress of the world's population. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the lives of many people, causing disruptions in daily routines and concerns for health and financial security. Business closures and layoffs have increased unemployment, leading to financial uncertainty for many people. Travel restrictions and social distancing measures have led to increased social isolation and loneliness for many people.

In addition, world events such as racial protests and political tensions may have also contributed to increased stress. Social networks and online media can also contribute to this by spreading anxiety-provoking information and amplifying fears and concerns.

It is important to note that the impact on stress varies from person to person, and it is important to consider individual vulnerability factors such as mental health history, trauma experiences, and social resources to understand how global events have affected a given person.

•     Stress is a normal physiological response to a perceived threatening situation.
•     Anxiety is an emotional reaction to an uncertain or potentially dangerous situation.
•     Anguish is an intense and persistent feeling of worry, often for no apparent reason.
•     Terror is an intense, panicked fear.

All of these terms can overlap and there may be nuances of meaning depending on the context. In general, stress is considered a normal response to a stressful situation, while anxiety, anguish and terror are excessive or inappropriate reactions to a situation.

The physical symptoms of stress and anxiety can vary greatly from person to person, but some common symptoms include:

•     Heart palpitations or rapid heartbeat
•     Rapid or wheezing breathing
•     Excessive sweating
•     Chest pain or tightness
•     Headache
•     Nausea or vomiting
•     Diarrhea or constipation
•     Fatigue or lack of energy
•     Tremors or chills
•     Muscle pain or stiffness
•     Insomnia or trouble sleeping
•     Changes in appetite

It is important to note that this list is not exhaustive and that the physical symptoms of stress and anxiety can be similar to those of other medical conditions. It is important to see a doctor for a diagnosis if you think you are suffering from persistent stress or anxiety. Treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, meditation, and breathing techniques (Bathysmed Diving develops these throughout the protocol) can help manage symptoms of stress and anxiety.

There are several types of anxiety disorders that can affect individuals in different ways. The main types of anxiety disorders are:

•     Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): It is characterized by excessive and persistent worries and fears that interfere with daily life. People with GAD may also suffer from physical complaints such as heart palpitations and headaches.
•     Specific Phobia: It is characterized by an excessive and irrational fear of a specific object or situation, such as heights, snakes or airplanes. People with specific phobias may avoid situations that frighten them.
•     Panic Disorder: This is characterized by sudden, unpredictable panic attacks, accompanied by physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, sweating, nausea and dizziness.
•     Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): is characterized by obsessions (recurrent, intrusive thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviours) that interfere with daily life.
•     Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): is characterized by symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares and avoidance related to a traumatic event.
•     Social anxiety disorder (SAD): It is characterized by an excessive and irrational fear of being judged or rejected in social or performance situations.

It is important to note that these anxiety disorders can co-exist and it is important to consult a mental health professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Bathysmed diving can help reduce anxiety disorders for several reasons:

    Relaxation: Bathysmed diving is based on derivatives of techniques from meditation and sophrology. Immersion provides a calm and peaceful environment that can help relax the body and mind. The regular, deep breathing required for diving can also help reduce stress and anxiety.
    Distraction: Scuba diving can provide a beneficial distraction for people with anxiety who may be obsessed with their anxious thoughts. Focusing on oneself, one's environment and practicing the Bathysmed exercises helps divert attention away from anxious thoughts.
    Sensory Stimulation: Bathysmed diving offers a different kind of sensory stimulation than traditional scuba diving, which can help to break the isolation and monotony that can accompany anxiety. The exercises of the different levels of Bathysmed diving help the person to better control their state of body tension and consequently, their emotions.
    Sense of control: People with anxiety who have taken Bathysmed dives frequently report a greater sense of control over their environment, their body and their emotions. 
    The specific exercises that make up the Bathysmed protocol influence the body and mind
 

WHY FOLLOW AN ADAPTED TRAINING ?
Classical scuba diving can already be beneficial for mental health (as demonstrated by our first DivStress study), Bathysmed diving further enhances this beneficial effect thanks to a progressive approach and measured by several clinical studies (Post Traumatic Stress, Burnout, Obesity), but it is important to choose an adequate training to become a mental health diving instructor.
 
Taking care of people with high levels of stress without prior training can be counterproductive and make the person's symptoms worse.
 
WE MAKE IT A POINT TO WARN PEOPLE WHO WANT TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE TECHNIQUES WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT SPECIFICALLY TRAINED IN THE PSYCHOPATHOLOGY OF STRESS.