The best advice I have is to take it slow. Find a buddy you enjoy diving,
and doing other things with, and cultivate the friendship. Do easy, bright,
colorful and interesting dives. When weather or other conditions are
uncooperative, do something else that day. Not every day is a perfect diving
day, no matter where you are. Work your way up to more challenging dives and
conditions slowly, gaining confidence and comfort.

Or simply live with being apprehensive before you go diving and enjoy
yourself while you're diving.

Lee

<snip>

I think you just need some nice, easy dives in a reasonably
uncomplicated environment to practice your skills and build some
confidence.  Also, consider avoiding situations where you are forced to
perform at someone else's pace for a bit, and take it slow.  After a
while you'll be surprised at what you can do without a second thought.

Training and practice should suffice in the long run--honest!

Good luck,

Take your time about doing challenging dives, in challenging conditions.
Learn this rule: Anyone can cancel a dive, for any reason, be it
conditions, anxiety, or "I just don't feel right". Dive with others who
understand and accept this.

IT sounds like your issue is not with the actual diving part, but the
entry and exit.  Choose dives where this will not be as much of an
issue. Pick dives where the sea conditions are smoother and calmer
before doing dives in rougher seas.

But never forget that you, or your dive buddy, have the right to thumb a
dive at any time, before or during the dive, for any reason.

[Default] Thus spake raininginmyhead4
<raininginmyhead4.357lcj@scubish.com>:

I'm going to agree with the others.  You need to find a steady buddy
to dive with.  You don't say where you're from, but if you can find
some calm local diving, that will help.  In Austin, most people head
out to Lake Travis.  Where the viz is anywhere from crap to non
existent.  But you learn more in bad conditions.

If you're concerned about motion sickness, talk to a doc about
treatments/preventatives.  I recommend meclizine (brand names Bonine
and Dramamine II (not the original)).  But try some on dry land first.
I'd call DAN first to get a recommendation for a doc in your area who
is scuba cognizant.

Deep breath in, deep breath out, deep breath in, half breath out,
squeeze.

Ooops, wrong instructions.

Take a deep breath, exhale, another deep breath, hold it.

Ooops, another wrong instruction.

Visualize something happy.  Now visualize it happening while you are
diving.

Are you anxious about the trip, the boat ride, or the actual dive?  
These three things all have their own particular stresses.  Vacations
are supposed to be relaxing but dealing with airports and hotels, and
getting around in a strance place, are usually anything but relaxing.  
Airplanes and dive boats are neither of them luxurious.  The getting
there is stress city.

Once you're at the dive site, though, it's a different story.  It's fine
to be excited, to feel keyed up.  There are various relaxation
techniques you can try to make the experience more positive. Anything
resembling panic, though, is a definite red flag.  In my opinion, if
you're afraid of diving, you shouldn't be diving.

my dive instructor told me that I was more likely to die in the car the way
to or home from a dive. If I make it into the water I am always to anxious
about the drive home to enjoy the dive

I hope this helps:
I had a huge anxiety problem, mostly it was the same situation as
your's; bad conditions, and diving with muppets in the group stressing
me out... I would make it in, and then found that the deeper I went the
more of a psychological battle I would have with myself... I spoke with
a lot of experienced divers on this and came up with some tips. firstly
STOP, THINK & ACT. this didnt help at first, I needed to take my mind
off my mind (if that makes sense!) one of the best things I was told to
do underwater was to hum, YES HUM! or sing into your reg to the fishes.
I believe there is some sort of link about the vibrations from the
voice calming the brain in mysterious ways- not sure, but it really
works for me- sure i might seem a little daft, but it beats cutting
your dive short or stopping the sport altogether, because thats just
crazy talk!!! I found that my exhale lasts longer and I use less air
generally because I concentrate on the breathing out as opposed to
gasping....Ive only logged about 48 dives and I still get really
nervous (i bought new gear yesterday, diving tomorrow and I cant sleep
from the nerves) but you'll see me humming, and if I could smile
without taking water I would be! Good luck, I agree with everyone who
said dive with people you trust. XX

If you get nervous on the surface before your descent, look down.  Looking
down into the water will calm you.

As you dive, concentrate on your breathing, really concentrate on it, listen
to it . . deep breath in, long slow exhale out, repeat . . . it has a
calming effect on you and you will begin to notice that your dives have
taken on a zen-like experience.

I once overheard a dive instructor say something to the effect of "this is
not our natural environment.  Anyone approaching it without respect for that
is a moron."  I tell you this to say that it is normal to feel nervous.  It
will help keep you sharp as your skills improve.  Mentally go over
everything before you hit the water.  Learn your gear.

Before you go to Andros, get in the pool a few times and do at least one
refresher course.

On Feb 22, 8:03 pm, raininginmyhead4

Stay on dry land where you belong you wimp!