A question for the fish in the forum regarding swim anxiety

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2015-04-09 11:28 AM

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Subject: A question for the fish in the forum regarding swim anxiety
I have a friend who had a very bad open water swim experience a while back. He finished the swim but felt terrible the whole time and it turned out that he had pulmonary edema. Which explained why he felt so bad. Anywhoo he's a strong swimmer but still this is in the back of his mind and I'm heading out for an open water swim with him tomorrow. He's been swimming but not open water.

What I'm looking for is advice to give him. Not so much about swimming but more about getting and keeping his head in the right spot while he's in the water.

My thoughts are: stay positive and remember that you can swim. Those are my thoughts because that's what works for me with my swim anxiety when I get it.

I wanted to check if anybody else had tips or sage words that helped them get back to swimming confidently after a bad swim messed with their heads.

Thanks - Amy

2015-04-09 12:35 PM
in reply to: miamiamy


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Subject: RE: A question for the fish in the forum regarding swim anxiety
Perhaps you could suggest that instead of swimming when you two go out, that he spend his time just hanging out in the lake. Float on his back a bit, have some fun, dive under the water a bit. In other words, tell him to go out there and have fun. Not to worry about swimming, or his stroke, or this, or that. . . just go out there and try to enjoy himself. The more comfortable he becomes, the less fear he'll have.

2015-04-09 1:20 PM
in reply to: miamiamy

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Subject: RE: A question for the fish in the forum regarding swim anxiety
In one of the more recent issues of Triathlete they noted to stay in a depth of water where you could swim comfortably without bottoming out, but at any time stand up and have your chest and head out of the water. So if panic sets in at any time, just stop and stand up. That'd be my advice. I think just knowing you could stop at any time would alleviate the anxiety tremendously.
2015-04-09 1:25 PM
in reply to: miamiamy

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Subject: RE: A question for the fish in the forum regarding swim anxiety

It starts way, WAY before getting in the water.  If his subconscious is dreading the upcoming swim, there's a good chance it'll be a miserable experience.  Similarly, if his subconscious is eager and positive, there's a good chance that'll happen as well.  

Ask your friend to visualize positive swimming experiences.  Today, tomorrow, in the car on the drive to the swim, changing clothes, standing on the shore, wading into the water.  Focus on the positive.  He needs to stop the instant his thoughts drift into negative territory (which is why it starts now, not just when he's standing in the water).  

Here are some examples of positive visualizations.  

Splashing in a wading pool as a toddler (or with a toddler).  
Blowing bubbles while holding a "tea party" at the bottom of the pool.  
Bobbing gently in the pool on a hot, summer, afternoon 
Floating on your back (I'd tell kids think of it as a "water bed") with warm sunshine on your closed eyelids.  
Floating in a tropical lagoon like a sea turtle floating over a colorful coral reef in the warm sunshine.  
Pretending you're a river otter playfully swimming under and around a submerged tree.  
Gliding effortlessly through the water like an Olympic swimmer (If you really watch them, they make it look effortless).  

 

2015-04-09 1:30 PM
in reply to: miamiamy

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Subject: RE: A question for the fish in the forum regarding swim anxiety
The relationship between pulmonary edema and swimming is poorly understood and may explain unexpected death and drownings. I understand why he is concerned. I would make sure his heart is thoroughly cleared for swimming and consider having oxygen available if something does goes bad. Probably not reassuring.
2015-04-09 2:32 PM
in reply to: pschriver

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Subject: RE: A question for the fish in the forum regarding swim anxiety
Not bad advice. He did this already.


2015-04-10 10:07 AM
in reply to: #5106996

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Subject: RE: A question for the fish in the forum regarding swim anxiety
Sing? I always sing while swimming in open water.
2015-04-10 10:13 AM
in reply to: McFuzz

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Subject: RE: A question for the fish in the forum regarding swim anxiety

Originally posted by McFuzz

It starts way, WAY before getting in the water.  If his subconscious is dreading the upcoming swim, there's a good chance it'll be a miserable experience.  Similarly, if his subconscious is eager and positive, there's a good chance that'll happen as well.  

Ask your friend to visualize positive swimming experiences.  Today, tomorrow, in the car on the drive to the swim, changing clothes, standing on the shore, wading into the water.  Focus on the positive.  He needs to stop the instant his thoughts drift into negative territory (which is why it starts now, not just when he's standing in the water).  

Here are some examples of positive visualizations.  

Splashing in a wading pool as a toddler (or with a toddler).  
Blowing bubbles while holding a "tea party" at the bottom of the pool.  
Bobbing gently in the pool on a hot, summer, afternoon 
Floating on your back (I'd tell kids think of it as a "water bed") with warm sunshine on your closed eyelids.  
Floating in a tropical lagoon like a sea turtle floating over a colorful coral reef in the warm sunshine.  
Pretending you're a river otter playfully swimming under and around a submerged tree.  
Gliding effortlessly through the water like an Olympic swimmer (If you really watch them, they make it look effortless).  

This. Visualization is the key and mental training is a great tool for anyone, especially those who are struggling. Those are great visualizations and if he can get in water and PLAY (like the images) ... pool, shallow open water even better ... that'd be great too.

Some stuff here that's helped a lot of people (yeah, I wrote it ... but it's not nearly as bad as I am ):

Open Water Swimming: MAPS to Get Ready

 

 

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