Nervous about scuba - anyone else?

[OuiOui]

My husband is a scuba enthusiast and now that we live in thailand it's the ideal opportunity for him to indulge himself - however it's a problem that we can't share this together as i can't scuba.
when we went on the great barrier reef I snorkelled wearing the BCD as I couldn't swim very well at the time.

I can now swim much better but am not confident as i should be in the water. the other day I had a 1 hour practise with scuba equipment in a swimming pool and found it to be relatively simple but I can't imagine being in the ocean like that but much deeper.

I want to do the PADI course but am worried about panicking once I'm out there - anyone else know the same? should I go ahead?

Yes! Yes! Yes!
Given my nickname I couldn't pass this one by
I was exactly the same as you, my husband was a diving enthusiast, and I didn't even like getting my face wet in the shower!
I went to stay in Portugal with my friend who had always been on about learning - and she persuaded me to do a PADI course with her. It felt weird in the pool, but we soon progressed to the sea, and I loved it. The only thing that worried me was when you take your final test you have to take your mask off and put it back on, but I had a very good instructor who knew I was worried, and he put me totally at ease, obviously because you can't talk underwater there is always lots of eye contact, and that in itself is calming. I passed, and met my husband at the airport proudly waving my PADI card - he was so impressed.
There is nothing to compare to the feeling of being underwater, it is so tranquil and calming - you forget about everything. I know it sounds silly, but it has been a really good bonding experience between my husband and I.
Look around until you find a centre where you feel comfortable with the instructor, and remember you don't have to go on deep dives, I rarely do, as you can still see lots in quite shallow waters, shore dives are my favourite as I get seasick!
Go for it - you won't regret it
Let us know when you pass - I am SO envious of you living in Thailand it will be great.

I had a panic attack at about 16 metres once

It is normal and OK to feel scared. I am a rescue diver now, but I still feel anxious about each trip. It is potentially a dangerous sport, so you do need to be alert and observant in order to keep safe. Men feel the same, but rarely admit it. If you do a course then you will understand more about the equipment and risks and safety procedures, and that may help you to feel safer. It is lots of fun! I am going on a diving trip this weekend in Wales, and just hoping that the weather will let us.

I am the worlds biggest coward and not very brave with anything but I love to scuba... you just need to treat it with respect and make sure you totally trust your buddy and make sure you progress at a speed you are comfortable with ... and then WOW - the worlds greatest hobby is yours... really is the best thing ever for calming and peace... like meditation with your eyes open.... i love it...

Please give it a go - you will love it!