AVOIDING THE SPIRITUAL BENDS
DECOMPRESSION SICKNESS or DCS is caused by a reduction in surrounding pressure that produces micro bubbles of gases, similar to the fizzing of a carbonated drink, within the body. It can happen when leaving a high-pressure environment like ascending from depth or ascending to altitude.
In scuba dives micro bubbles are eliminated through the lungs. If they are not given enough time the bubbles grow in size and number causing DCS. You might be familiar with the earliest descriptions of DCS, like the term "bends" for joint or skeletal pain; "chokes" for breathing problems; and "staggers" for neurological problems.
Decompression During Ascent
This is how it works. When a diver descends in the water column the pressure rises. Breathing gas is supplied at the same pressure as the surrounding water and some of this gas dissolves into a diver's blood and other fluids. As a diver moves up the water column, with ascent interrupted by stops at intervals for decompression, the surrounding pressure of the breathing gas is reduced until the inert gases are dissolved in the tissues and start diffusing out again.
Decompression at the Surface
It is also interesting to note that the period at surface pressure after a dive is an important part of decompression and can be thought of as the last decompression stop of a dive. This is because it typically takes up to 24 hours for the body to return to its normal atmosphere levels.
DCS Risk Factors
There are two principal factors which control the risk of a diver suffering DCS:
1. the deeper or longer the dive the more gas is absorbed into body tissue in higher concentrations than normal;
2. the faster the ascent and the shorter the interval between dives the less time there is for absorbed gas to be offloaded safely through the lungs.
Why all this information about decompression?
Decompression seems to be a good analogy for dramatic, high-energy sequences of life events which are often followed by rapid descents into deep discouragement and bone-numbing fatigue. So often I have experienced the "spiritual bends" all the while not understanding what was happening to me. If I had known, I could have planned a more gradual recovery by staging "decompression stops" for myself. I now understand that adequate decompression is absolutely vital and necessary after a particularly taxing season of high energy output. In addition, here is a new thought. It is quite possible I might require more decompression even when I think I feel fine!
What does decompression look like in the Scriptures?
Remember how God allowed Elijah to decompress after his very dramatic public battle with the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings chapter 18? Remember how Elijah wanted to die in chapter 19? One commentary explained Elijah's state of mind this way, "His despondency was deeper than personal. It was despair of the world; despair of the fate of true worship; despair about the future of faith and righteousness; despair of everything." Please note that God tenderly allowed Elijah to decompress by providing ample rest before giving him his new assignment and sending him on his way.
Treatment of DCS
In the event of physical bends, treatment is by hyperbaric oxygen therapy using greater than normal pressure in a re-compression chamber. In the event of spiritual bends, treatment is by greater than normal amounts of rest and refreshment in a safe and peaceful environment. Both kinds of bends, if treated early, have a significantly higher chance of recovery. Our hero, Elijah, survived spiritual bends and modeled the way back for us to renewed vigor and purpose after a near-death experience!
