With the (often unreasonable) amount of oversight we suffer, particularly by non-operation office staff with no idea about the realities of our job and the downward trend in the desirability of the job of a pilot, it would be surprising if depression were not an issue.
Hands up who struggles to pay the bills. Hands up if your an airline pilot and cannot provide the life you want for your family.
The hardliners will say toughen up, but really, if the profession doesnt really pay the bills and with Australian societies expectations on the bread winners, I know there are guys and girls out there as depressed as hell about their future.
Anyone give a rats? Nope. (Rat- get it?)
Most would agree that Aviation and Australia in general has a strong drinking culture.
Anyone hazard a guess what one of the leading depressants is? Alcohol. Source:
The largest ever study in to drug harms places alcohol in the top four | Neurobonkers.com
So if you are already down about the way the boss treats you, I'm talking to you Mr CEO, it should be no surprise when a few drinks each night compounds this issue.
But that's ok, you just fly the plane sonny.