Insight on Diving Psychology and Mental Health: Q&A with a Clinical Psychologist
Dr Laura Walton is a PADI Master Instructor and experienced Clinical Psychologist who specialises in working with divers. We caught up with Dr Walton to ask her some frequent questions and to gain her insights into diving psychology.
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 This blog is part of a three-part series covering:
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1.      Keeping calm underwater
2.      Psychology research of divers
3.      Psychology as you progress through your diving career.

Can regular diving cause long-term changes to the brain and mental health?
From a psychological perspective, the long-term impact of recreational scuba diving is generally positive. The underwater environment offers a sense of tranquillity and peace that can help reduce stress and anxiety. Many divers describe a sense of oneness with nature and a heightened sense of mindfulness while diving, which can contribute to overall mental well-being. There have been several studies that show that scuba diving helps reduce stress and anxiety and improve overall mental well-being. Nearly 70% of divers report feeling more relaxed and less stressed after a dive.
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There are risks to brain health due to an acute injury in an adverse event (e.g., rapid ascent, missed decompression, barotrauma, or DCI); however, there is not much evidence for problems due to long-term exposure to recreational scuba.
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For commercial and technical diving, the risks are higher, though there is limited research on these topics. There is a study that suggests some changes and negative impact on the brain over a long time.  A review of scuba, technical, and saturation diving in 2023 highlights some specific risks, mainly HPNS, and concludes that more research is needed. Other researchers have noted temporary headaches and fatigue following saturation dives.
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As a psychologist who works with divers experiencing trauma-related conditions (acute stress injury and post-traumatic stress), I would also suspect that these higher-risk diving activities are likely to increase the possibility of psychological trauma.
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The nature of diving is such that it is carried out in an "Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) Environment." Â Psychological trauma may result when what happens to us exceeds our capacity to cope. In such an environment, a small issue can generate an experience that is a threat to survival. Add to that the potential contributions of feeling powerless in relation to authority, limited autonomy over actions in a working environment, or pre-existing self-worth issues, and the impact of such events is increased and may accumulate over time, particularly if not addressed. In talking to saturation divers, I have heard several stories of workers who keep going through multiple adverse events without support and not wishing to burden families, eventually building into significant mental health issues and even suicide.Â
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Psychological trauma is a form of brain injury and one that is often overlooked in diving. In scuba diving, a 2010 study (which I describe in more detail here) found that significant numbers of divers who attended the hyperbaric chamber after an incident in recreational diving continued to report symptoms of psychological trauma for months after the event. I am not aware of similar studies conducted on commercial diving, though I would suspect the numbers would be higher.Â
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It is important to note that while these risks exist, they can be managed with proper safety measures, training, and equipment. Regular check-ups with a healthcare professional, proper training, and adhering to safety guidelines can help mitigate these risks. It is also important for divers to listen to their bodies and take breaks when needed.
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Ultimately, the answer is that it depends! It depends on the kind of diving that is done, the adequacy of systems for managing risk, and the availability of support. As a diver, and with knowledge of the research, personally I find the benefits of recreational scuba diving to wellbeing far outweigh the risks.
What do you see as the next steps for exploring the psychology of divers?
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There are so many opportunities to explore this area further and contribute to the understanding of the psychological aspects of diving. There is a lack of research in diving psychology and the provision of clinical services. With exploration of the oceans set to expand, for example, with projects like Deep for underwater habitation and the existing demands of the commercial diving sector, I can see a valuable role for diving psychology.Â
You can learn more about Dr Laura Walton and her work here: https://blog.padi.com/diving-careers-interview-padi-staff-instructor-clinical-psychologist-laura-walton/
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If you would like to hear more from Dr Walton, her clinical psychology services, or courses, please visit www.fittodive.org
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