Anxiety attacks in the water

This never happens to me........................................except in every race (4) I've ever done .  It's getting better for me though and based on my experience I recommend the following:

1) Be confident.  You know you an swim the distance.  When you get overwhelmed with that feeling, slow down and think to yourself--I will not quit, I can do this, and really there is no dignified way out of this now, so I might as well keep swimming.

2) Start slow.  Stay away from people.  Breathe frequently.  Stay aerobic.  You can pick up speed as you get more comfortable in your swim.

3) You can grab a kayac and catch your breath without being DQ'd (I've never done it, but it's legal and any panic you might feel should be relieved by knowing you can do this if need be).

4) Find someone swimming your speed and swiim next to them, breathing to their side frequently so you can see them.  You'll be amazed how comforting it is to just see another person nearby.

A friend of mine did kayac support in St. Anthony's this year.  Drug a guy in before he got to the first buoy.  The guy just totally panicked.  You have too much time invested in this race.  Relax.  Don't be that guy.  You'll do fine.

Actually, your body composition makes you FLOAT. You are equipped with bellows (LUNGS) which, when inflated, will keep you afloat. You need to shake this belief that you are meant to sink. What you can do...

1. Here's an exercise that will prove to your mind and body that your belief system is mistaken. Take a big breath and hold it. Dive into the deep end of your pool and head to the bottom of the pool (do not exhale). Relax and stop swimming/moving. You will find your body rising to the surface without any assistance from you. The reason you will rise is because your lungs are full of air. Your lungs are excellent floaties.
2. Prepare for a possible anxiety attack by learning to tread water for extended periods of time. Swim to the deep end; tread water for 15 minutes. This drill is quite relaxing and you will gain confidence in your ability to sustain yourself in deep water (especially during an anxiety attack).
3. Spend some time underwater. In the shallow end of the pool, exhale and drop to the bottom of your pool. Sit on the bottom for as long as you can. When you need to take a breath, rise, inhale, then drop back down to sitting position. Try to do this for 10 minutes. This, too, can be a very relaxing exercise which will teach you to be comfortable below water for extended periods of time. You're wiring your instincts to not panic when you are below water and not breathing.
4. Finally, whenever you have an anxiety attack, stop what you're doing, breathe slowly and start treading water (remember, treading water is relaxing). Give yourself a self-talk: I'm okay. I can do this. I'll be just fine. I'm okay. I can do this. I'll be just fine...
5. Get open water swimming experience. Look for OW swim races and enter them. You will gain confidence in your ability to swim OW while surrounded by many other swimmers.

Good luck!! You CAN float. You CAN tread water. You CAN DO THIS!