Stress

[Sinbad Returns]

Right, dont shoot me or jump of the deep end, but I suffer from mild symptoms of stress - I am not talking about raving panic attacks here, but occasional shortness of breath.

Diving has never brought on these symptoms (in fact it chills me out nicelly) - they all come from my wonderful day job.

Are there any drugs that can control this that are not contraindicated to diving? Other ideas? Please dont just say that any symptom of stress is counterindicative to diving, that is just not constructive or helpful (and I have no intention of stopping).

[Tim Ingmire]

Hi Sinbad,

OK I'm no doctor but AIUI you are most likely to be offered Betablockers to relieve some of the symptoms of stress but these are contra-indicated due to a theoretical risk of side-effects. Other drugs that would be prescribed include the likes of valium which would sound a little extreme for a mild stress situation. This info comes from a doc in my club.

If your symptoms really are mild and the diving relaxes you like it does for me (leaving me seriously chilled and happy with life) then why not carry on without the drugs?

As I said I'm no doc (and many won't know about the combination of the drugs they prescribe and diving) but this is based on very recent experience.

HTH,

Tim

[Simon TW]

I have had stress, in fact, I had to retire from my career at the tender age of 41. I'm sending you a PM.

[Conor]

I am no doctor or psychiatrist but for my sins, I have worked in drug discovery IT and have studied Medicinal Chemistry in the past, and my view is that if there is non chemical solution to the problem then take it first.

Most chemical treatments simply give you a vacation from the symptoms to allow you a window in which to learn to cope with the stressors.

I would reccomend you consider counselling or buying some books on dealing with stress, before turning to the chemicals. The diving may even help in this process.

Think carefully how you feel you would be able to cope with a stessful situation under water, think how you would support your buddy, and if you don't feel there would be a problem then keep diving (but consider telling your buddy).

If you do take chemicals then take a break from diving while you get used to their affects on the surface before experiencing it under water.

The main thing is try and get it sorted as soon as you can, and BTW I reckon most people nowadays suffer from or will suffer from some stress based illness during their adult life.

Conor