Category: ASK

Responses to specific Questions

ASK, BRAIN, Capacity and awareness, Narcosis, STRESS

What does nitrogen narcosis mean?

Gas narcosis in scuba diving Narcosis in scuba diving is the change in thinking and awareness, sensory and motor function and behaviour that occurs at depth.  Breathing gas at depth leads to narcosis, often noticed around 30m it can be an issue from around 20m and below. What does nitrogen narcosis mean? Narcosis: “a state of stupor, drowsiness, or unconsciousness produced by drugs.” Oxford English Dictionary Narcosis is … Continue reading What does nitrogen narcosis mean?

Dr Laura Walton
ASK, Psychological skills for scuba divers, SKILLS

What are psychological skills and how can they be useful in diving?

The aeroplane accelerated along the runway and as it lifted off I heard “we are going to die, we are all going to die!”.  Nobody had said anything, everything was fine.  The sudden appearance of this phrase in my head is what is known as an “intrusive thought”.  The mind wants to protect us from danger and every so occasionally provides these unwanted and (largely … Continue reading What are psychological skills and how can they be useful in diving?

Dr Laura Walton
Approaches to support divers following an incident in scuba diving, ASK, Diver panic and anxiety, Psychological impact of accidents and incidents, Psychological skills for scuba divers, SKILLS, STRESS, Therapeutic applications of scuba diving, TRAUMA

What can psychology do for divers?

Like any extreme environment, being underwater has a profound effect on how we behave and think.  Psychology is the study of the mind and behaviour, often described as both an art and a science, it provides insights into why we do what we do.  But what can psychology do for scuba divers? “There is magic in human behaviour and there is an artistry to understanding … Continue reading What can psychology do for divers?

Dr Laura Walton