[Hobby]

Well here's some of mine for what they're worth.One of the problems with being underwater is that your senses become compromised,ie.hearing,touch,sight etc.Altough we may not be aware of it these inhibitions to our natural defence mechanisms serve as stressors to varying degrees.The Australiians for eg.coined the name "Blue Orb Syndrome",this was after findings in various navies etc.where divers in mid water scenarios experienced symptoms including those described.One of the factors they found was in the divers senses being unable to sort of "fix"on something(in Blue Orb this is particularly visual).Best described as being suspended in a blue entity(black for most of us!)with no reference points,particularly visible,it can cause mischeif with your senses and hence have a detrimental effect on your psychological state.At times like this the focusing on a set thing,Kirky's stone,my breathing etc.helps.
The symptoms discussed above,both physical and psychological are indicative of stress(I think you'll agree).Now the extreme physical manifestation of this is panic,none of us wants to go there,but we are at the end of the day human.The stress comes from stressors,the stressors are different for us all but we do have many in common.Much of the problem is recognising when you're becoming affected,as in "I need to get a grip".
Lawrence tells us of his bouyancy problems due to the effects of ice on equipment and a procedure which kept him on the surface.Now thankfully he's experienced enough to recognise where his problems originated here,he was also capable(while under considerable stress)to keep a clear head and do what was required to overcome them.
Ask yourself this honestly,it's very icy,you're compromised to a degree as you're delayed at the surface,vis is nix..then you have an equipment malfunction.Will you really have the clarity of mind to descend(thus rectifying the problem) and overcome your instincts?That however is an example of the psychological make-up needed to keep you alive,the ability to stop panic developing,stop,think and act to resolve the problem,in that time,if you're in panic it may well kill you.
Add to this narcosis and the problems are compounded,thankfully that mindset can help you too as the factors are so interlinked.
So the problem arises,how do we develop this psychological strength,clarity whatever you call it?
Realistic,applied training and application are certainly a major factor.This would include factors such as correct kit selection etc.but more importantly how to use correctly what you have(as opposed to making everyone carry a spare everything in case of a problem-that maybe solved or prevented by correct procedure?).Personally I remain sceptical that this can actually be taught.If one reads medical texts by navy staff on divers they talk of only a percentage of applicants having a suitable pschological framework to be a diver,as a rec.diver we never really see that,it's probable we see the results on a regular basis however.
It's no doubt usefull to understand what stresses us,what maybe more important is being able to deal with it appropriately when it crops up.We can always ponder afterwards what made us jittery,however if we can't deal with it immediately then we may never get the chance.
Take care,all,Hobby.