Dealing with Mental Health, Anxiety and Depression
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 4
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From: UK
Dealing with Mental Health, Anxiety and Depression
I am interested in others views on dealing with mental health while going through flying training and a career as a pilot, and what helped you, especially if you have had a similar journey to me. I am in the process of changing careers and getting my CPL, however one of the initial hurdles has been getting past the medical evaluations, including the Psych review. I have had independent Psych review sessions with a consultant and I have now gained the Class 2, and hope to convert to Class 1 in July when reviewed by the CAA.
Just a brief history, I gained a PPL back in 1998, and did a year of air squadron at university, and I wanted to get into a flying career but at the time didnt have the self belief or funds to progress. I tried a few sponsorship interviews but wasn't succesful. I'm sure there are plenty of people who have been in that position. I have had periods in my life where I have felt the pressure of study, life changes, and an IT career which I never wanted to be doing. Some of those times during periods of work pressure I have taken time out of work as I couldn't deal with the job while feeling the anxiety. I have had medication, which I didnt feel helped, and I continued to function in my job and progressed to a decent salary and role. About 3 years ago issues with my marriage came to a head and separation and divorce happened, which added to the pressure. I since got paid out of my IT career over a year ago, during the divorce when I couldn't keep the job going to the level needed. I am in a good place now but am concerned about my history and it does play on my mind when thinking about the new career. I'm 46 now so that does bring other pressures, but I can see a future and am funding my way into a modular route to CPL, building hours and getting started on the ATPL ground school. I'm building campervans to pay the bills, but its not what I want to be doing as a main job.
Any advice would be appreciated, I am keen to find the right support. However, I am worried about going down a medical route to find help and keep my stable mental health as I don't want more on my medical history going forwards, and worry about losing the Class 1 once I've got it.
Many thanks
Just a brief history, I gained a PPL back in 1998, and did a year of air squadron at university, and I wanted to get into a flying career but at the time didnt have the self belief or funds to progress. I tried a few sponsorship interviews but wasn't succesful. I'm sure there are plenty of people who have been in that position. I have had periods in my life where I have felt the pressure of study, life changes, and an IT career which I never wanted to be doing. Some of those times during periods of work pressure I have taken time out of work as I couldn't deal with the job while feeling the anxiety. I have had medication, which I didnt feel helped, and I continued to function in my job and progressed to a decent salary and role. About 3 years ago issues with my marriage came to a head and separation and divorce happened, which added to the pressure. I since got paid out of my IT career over a year ago, during the divorce when I couldn't keep the job going to the level needed. I am in a good place now but am concerned about my history and it does play on my mind when thinking about the new career. I'm 46 now so that does bring other pressures, but I can see a future and am funding my way into a modular route to CPL, building hours and getting started on the ATPL ground school. I'm building campervans to pay the bills, but its not what I want to be doing as a main job.
Any advice would be appreciated, I am keen to find the right support. However, I am worried about going down a medical route to find help and keep my stable mental health as I don't want more on my medical history going forwards, and worry about losing the Class 1 once I've got it.
Many thanks
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,184
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From: Lost again...
Best of luck
Minimise your financial expenditure as much as possible until you've got the class 1 situation clarified
If you need medical help to maintain your health then i strongly suggest that you take it - even if that sacrifices your goal of flying commercially.
I'm sure you can see how a situation where you feel you want help but are afraid to ask for it could rapidly add to your stress and anxiety levels and snowball into an undesirable place.
Commercial aviation can be a brutal environment particularly for those joining later in life when everything is just that wee bit harder work.
Either way - all the best and make sure you look after yourself!
OH
Minimise your financial expenditure as much as possible until you've got the class 1 situation clarified
If you need medical help to maintain your health then i strongly suggest that you take it - even if that sacrifices your goal of flying commercially.
I'm sure you can see how a situation where you feel you want help but are afraid to ask for it could rapidly add to your stress and anxiety levels and snowball into an undesirable place.
Commercial aviation can be a brutal environment particularly for those joining later in life when everything is just that wee bit harder work.
Either way - all the best and make sure you look after yourself!
OH
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 4
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From: UK
Thanks OH, I am doing everything I can to keep myself in the best shape mentally and physically, and it's working for me right now. I am talking about how I feel and finding the right people to support me through tough times.
Do you mind if I ask, have you had to deal with it personally or have you had colleagues who have? I'm interested in how it's managed and dealt with in aviation, given the working environment.
Do you mind if I ask, have you had to deal with it personally or have you had colleagues who have? I'm interested in how it's managed and dealt with in aviation, given the working environment.
PPRuNe Handmaiden
Joined: Feb 1997
Posts: 4,910
Likes: 184
From: Duit On Mon Dei
Firstly, well done on managing such a condition and seeking appropriate help. Secondly, well done on maintaining both mental and physical fitness. As you well know, the 2 go hand in hand.
May I ask what are your goals re flying? Airlines? Instructing? General Aviation?
I am sure you're well aware of the issues that the first officer of Germanwings had? He's the individual that decided to crash the Airbus into the French hills. His mental health had not been adequately managed, not saying you're not managing well, but folks may get twitchy about it.
At work we've had some mental health cases. One was returned to work successfully, others, unfortunately have left the industry. Others decided alcohol was better than treatment. The pilot that had a severe bout of depression had authority mandated time off and assessment before getting his medical back. Then under a very carefully managed programme he was returned to flying status.
Some authorities are ok with SSRIs and prescribed medication for depression and mental health issues. Other authorities are a strict "no".
Good luck with your Class 1 medical.
May I ask what are your goals re flying? Airlines? Instructing? General Aviation?
I am sure you're well aware of the issues that the first officer of Germanwings had? He's the individual that decided to crash the Airbus into the French hills. His mental health had not been adequately managed, not saying you're not managing well, but folks may get twitchy about it.
At work we've had some mental health cases. One was returned to work successfully, others, unfortunately have left the industry. Others decided alcohol was better than treatment. The pilot that had a severe bout of depression had authority mandated time off and assessment before getting his medical back. Then under a very carefully managed programme he was returned to flying status.
Some authorities are ok with SSRIs and prescribed medication for depression and mental health issues. Other authorities are a strict "no".
Good luck with your Class 1 medical.
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 4
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From: UK
Thanks Redsnail
I am also aware of the tragic GermanWings incident and the steps now required of airlines and the industry as a whole as a result. I can see that those working alongside those struggling with these issues may be twitchy, given the pressures and responsibility of the role and the dependency on a clear thinking colleague in the cockpit. I would also want to be on top form and to not be a risk, hence the need to manage it. I am not an alcohol risk taker, but know that I need other ways to manage it, including sports, meditation, nutrition as well as measured progress towards my goal.
I am hoping to get into private jets, cargo or general aviation, not necessarily the airline route, but am open to options once qualified.
thanks for your support on the medical
I am also aware of the tragic GermanWings incident and the steps now required of airlines and the industry as a whole as a result. I can see that those working alongside those struggling with these issues may be twitchy, given the pressures and responsibility of the role and the dependency on a clear thinking colleague in the cockpit. I would also want to be on top form and to not be a risk, hence the need to manage it. I am not an alcohol risk taker, but know that I need other ways to manage it, including sports, meditation, nutrition as well as measured progress towards my goal.
I am hoping to get into private jets, cargo or general aviation, not necessarily the airline route, but am open to options once qualified.
thanks for your support on the medical
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Thanks for sharing about your experience - it takes courage. I can relate to the pressures of changing careers and life transitions adding to anxiety. A few thoughts from my own coping journey:
Focus on one day at a time and small wins. Comparing to others just adds stress. You've come so far already in getting your cert back - that's huge.
Keep close your support system. For me, daily exercise, journaling feelings, and friends/family who understand without judgment help so much.
Maybe look for flyer mentor you vibe with, to ease worries about coworker perceptions over time. We all have things we navigate. You've clearly got this!
Focus on one day at a time and small wins. Comparing to others just adds stress. You've come so far already in getting your cert back - that's huge.
Keep close your support system. For me, daily exercise, journaling feelings, and friends/family who understand without judgment help so much.
Maybe look for flyer mentor you vibe with, to ease worries about coworker perceptions over time. We all have things we navigate. You've clearly got this!
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: UK
Thanks Milestogo
top advice, it's easy to be too focused on the long view or past history, i'm sure the path will become clear with the first steps.
When did you change career if you don't mind me asking?
top advice, it's easy to be too focused on the long view or past history, i'm sure the path will become clear with the first steps.
When did you change career if you don't mind me asking?
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 141
Likes: 4
From: somewhere
That's all stressful, don't I know it. I'll talk about what I do to manage my anxiety, which I hope will be helpful for some.
Firstly, I prioritize self-care, making sure I get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise regularly (running is my favorite).
Also, I do mindfulness and meditation practices. For this, I use the app Calmer. It has guided meditation, and I usually do it when I wake up to set the tone for the day. Or when I have a free moment, I go to a quiet place and do it.
digsy, if you feel the need for therapy or something like that, it's better to go to a professional. Don't let it be like that, it might get worse.
Firstly, I prioritize self-care, making sure I get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise regularly (running is my favorite).
Also, I do mindfulness and meditation practices. For this, I use the app Calmer. It has guided meditation, and I usually do it when I wake up to set the tone for the day. Or when I have a free moment, I go to a quiet place and do it.
digsy, if you feel the need for therapy or something like that, it's better to go to a professional. Don't let it be like that, it might get worse.
Last edited by dss3000; 13th June 2024 at 07:34.
Joined: Nov 1999
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 3,139
Likes: 740
From: UK
My thoughts are with the OP. This is going to be tough to read, but.........
If you are considering an airline career, I really worry that you might be too old now. You will be 48 or older after qualifying, with a frozen ATPL, no airline experience and almost no hours. Chief pilots are generally looking for younger pilots with at least 500 hours and 30+ years of working life ahead of them, or dead cert experienced pilots who have a proven record of being able to pass any recurrent Sim or new type rating. An easyJet Training Captain elsewhere on Pprune has stated that they would treat with suspicion any pilot who was not a Captain by the age of 50, so any person at the age of 48 with no big jet hours or anything would no doubt be similarly viewed ?
If everything went perfectly, and you passed all your exams and tests first time, and had no delays to your flying programme and were lucky to catch a recruiting frenzy, you might get an airline job. But I think it is unlikely. I have 20 years and just under 12,000 hours TT of flying including A330 long-haul, but several long-haul airlines flying that type have recently said no to me - even though I could just slot straight into their flying programme doing the same thing I have done for years. They are being ageist. I have all the relevant experience and type ratings and Class 1 medical.
I obviously don't know what your goal is, but flying is really not all glamourous. It can be at the top, and at the level I attained; big shiny long-haul jets to (sometimes) exotic destinations, but to get there, I started flying the night mail in ancient cargo turbo-props, and slowly worked my way up. Those early years were not easy, with difficult aircraft, difficult rosters, and difficult Captains. My first marriage did not survive my being away so much, in pursuit of my new career.
I changed career back in 1997, 11 years younger than you are now, and I made it, but back then, airlines would pay for your type ratings, and the airline world was a different place, before rostering and fatigue became an issue. (The Unions and company councils have mostly been nobbled, by the way, so there is no help from them).
If you are determined to do this - good luck - but I personally think it is a very precarious path. And especially if you have anxiety issues; it probably isn't for you. Quite apart from the continuous hoop-jumping and intensive recurrent 2 day SIM tests every 6 months that pilots have to pass just to attain and retain all the paperwork, licenses etc, flying a big jet can be quite intense. There will be very demanding days in the cockpit; Not only flying a turbulent cross-wind approach, but all the faff on the ramp before you even get airborne - Passenger delays, Slot delays, Baggage delays, Handling agents having lots of staff going sick on significant football match days etc. Crew hours, Having to take minimum fuel, Carrying MEL defects, Fatigue, etc etc.
For the same money, you could perhaps get into motorsport or buy a nice yacht and go sailing around the Med.
If you are considering an airline career, I really worry that you might be too old now. You will be 48 or older after qualifying, with a frozen ATPL, no airline experience and almost no hours. Chief pilots are generally looking for younger pilots with at least 500 hours and 30+ years of working life ahead of them, or dead cert experienced pilots who have a proven record of being able to pass any recurrent Sim or new type rating. An easyJet Training Captain elsewhere on Pprune has stated that they would treat with suspicion any pilot who was not a Captain by the age of 50, so any person at the age of 48 with no big jet hours or anything would no doubt be similarly viewed ?
If everything went perfectly, and you passed all your exams and tests first time, and had no delays to your flying programme and were lucky to catch a recruiting frenzy, you might get an airline job. But I think it is unlikely. I have 20 years and just under 12,000 hours TT of flying including A330 long-haul, but several long-haul airlines flying that type have recently said no to me - even though I could just slot straight into their flying programme doing the same thing I have done for years. They are being ageist. I have all the relevant experience and type ratings and Class 1 medical.
I obviously don't know what your goal is, but flying is really not all glamourous. It can be at the top, and at the level I attained; big shiny long-haul jets to (sometimes) exotic destinations, but to get there, I started flying the night mail in ancient cargo turbo-props, and slowly worked my way up. Those early years were not easy, with difficult aircraft, difficult rosters, and difficult Captains. My first marriage did not survive my being away so much, in pursuit of my new career.
I changed career back in 1997, 11 years younger than you are now, and I made it, but back then, airlines would pay for your type ratings, and the airline world was a different place, before rostering and fatigue became an issue. (The Unions and company councils have mostly been nobbled, by the way, so there is no help from them).
If you are determined to do this - good luck - but I personally think it is a very precarious path. And especially if you have anxiety issues; it probably isn't for you. Quite apart from the continuous hoop-jumping and intensive recurrent 2 day SIM tests every 6 months that pilots have to pass just to attain and retain all the paperwork, licenses etc, flying a big jet can be quite intense. There will be very demanding days in the cockpit; Not only flying a turbulent cross-wind approach, but all the faff on the ramp before you even get airborne - Passenger delays, Slot delays, Baggage delays, Handling agents having lots of staff going sick on significant football match days etc. Crew hours, Having to take minimum fuel, Carrying MEL defects, Fatigue, etc etc.
For the same money, you could perhaps get into motorsport or buy a nice yacht and go sailing around the Med.
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 40
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
I am interested in others views on dealing with mental health while going through flying training and a career as a pilot, and what helped you, especially if you have had a similar journey to me. I am in the process of changing careers and getting my CPL, however one of the initial hurdles has been getting past the medical evaluations, including the Psych review. I have had independent Psych review sessions with a consultant and I have now gained the Class 2, and hope to convert to Class 1 in July when reviewed by the CAA.
Just a brief history, I gained a PPL back in 1998, and did a year of air squadron at university, and I wanted to get into a flying career but at the time didnt have the self belief or funds to progress. I tried a few sponsorship interviews but wasn't succesful. I'm sure there are plenty of people who have been in that position. I have had periods in my life where I have felt the pressure of study, life changes, and an IT career which I never wanted to be doing. Some of those times during periods of work pressure I have taken time out of work as I couldn't deal with the job while feeling the anxiety. I have had medication, which I didnt feel helped, and I continued to function in my job and progressed to a decent salary and role. About 3 years ago issues with my marriage came to a head and separation and divorce happened, which added to the pressure. I since got paid out of my IT career over a year ago, during the divorce when I couldn't keep the job going to the level needed. I am in a good place now but am concerned about my history and it does play on my mind when thinking about the new career. I'm 46 now so that does bring other pressures, but I can see a future and am funding my way into a modular route to CPL, building hours and getting started on the ATPL ground school. I'm building campervans to pay the bills, but its not what I want to be doing as a main job.
Any advice would be appreciated, I am keen to find the right support. However, I am worried about going down a medical route to find help and keep my stable mental health as I don't want more on my medical history going forwards, and worry about losing the Class 1 once I've got it.
Many thanks
Just a brief history, I gained a PPL back in 1998, and did a year of air squadron at university, and I wanted to get into a flying career but at the time didnt have the self belief or funds to progress. I tried a few sponsorship interviews but wasn't succesful. I'm sure there are plenty of people who have been in that position. I have had periods in my life where I have felt the pressure of study, life changes, and an IT career which I never wanted to be doing. Some of those times during periods of work pressure I have taken time out of work as I couldn't deal with the job while feeling the anxiety. I have had medication, which I didnt feel helped, and I continued to function in my job and progressed to a decent salary and role. About 3 years ago issues with my marriage came to a head and separation and divorce happened, which added to the pressure. I since got paid out of my IT career over a year ago, during the divorce when I couldn't keep the job going to the level needed. I am in a good place now but am concerned about my history and it does play on my mind when thinking about the new career. I'm 46 now so that does bring other pressures, but I can see a future and am funding my way into a modular route to CPL, building hours and getting started on the ATPL ground school. I'm building campervans to pay the bills, but its not what I want to be doing as a main job.
Any advice would be appreciated, I am keen to find the right support. However, I am worried about going down a medical route to find help and keep my stable mental health as I don't want more on my medical history going forwards, and worry about losing the Class 1 once I've got it.
Many thanks
Maintaining your mental health is important, especially in jobs like flying. It helps to find what works best for you, like therapy, exercise, or hobbies that help you relax.
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: UK
Mental health struggles are common and of course pilots are not immune to these. From my experience the CAA are rightly careful but also helpful and reasonable when it comes to dealing with mental health issues. Certain SSRIs are allowed to be taken while flying but any others medications would need to be stopped before getting the medical. If you were unfortunate to have any recurrence of symptoms bothersome enough that you couldn’t fly the CAA would suspend the medical then require medical reports from specialists and full recovery before going back. It’s not necessarily a case of losing the medical and never getting it back again. As long as you recover and can show this then it’s possible to return to flying. I found the most helpful treatment to be cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with a psychologist so that you can recognise and analyse any negative thoughts and then reframe them to something more positive or rational. Also generally managing stress outside of work and not overdoing things is important.
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 25
Likes: 1
From: Dubai
I can relate to the pressures you're facing, especially around career changes and mental health concerns. Finding a balance between my goals and mental well-being was tough when I went through something similar. What helped me the most was discovering a support group of people who understood the same struggles. Having open conversations with others about stress really lightened the load, and I found ways to manage anxiety through routines and hobbies I enjoy, like getting out for a run or spending time outdoors. I understand your concerns about the medical side of things. Finding a mental health professional who knows about aviation can help ensure you get the proper support without jeopardizing your medical certifications. It's all about keeping a healthy balance. You can check out Crave Max 2500 if you're looking for a break or something small to take your mind off things for a while.
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Toronto
Hey there, thanks for sharing your story. It's brave of you to open up about your journey with mental health while pursuing a flying career. Many pilots and trainees face similar challenges, so you're definitely not alone in this. First off, congrats on getting your Class 2 medical and working towards that Class 1. That's a huge accomplishment, especially considering the hurdles you've faced. It's clear you've got a genuine passion for flying that's persisted since your PPL days.
Your concerns about maintaining mental health while training and throughout your career are totally valid. The pressure can be intense, and it's crucial to have good coping strategies in place. Some things that have helped me and other pilots I know:
Your concerns about maintaining mental health while training and throughout your career are totally valid. The pressure can be intense, and it's crucial to have good coping strategies in place. Some things that have helped me and other pilots I know:
- Building a support network of fellow pilots who understand the unique stresses of the job
- Regular exercise and mindfulness practices like meditation or yoga
- Setting realistic goals and celebrating small victories along the way
- Being proactive about work-life balance, even during training
- Finding a therapist who understands aviation industry pressures (some specialize in this)
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 52
Likes: 1
From: UK
Without going into the ins and outs of things, I too am waiting on a (hopeful) return of my Class 1 medical, which I am seriously determined and passionate about getting back. I personally am jumping through the hoops that the CAA are asking me to jump through, whilst also being incredibly patient with the process and the amount of time that they have asked me to wait.
I just hope with patience, determination and pure passion and a love for my career, I’ll be able to get it back. It will come with a restriction, I know that for sure, but I will never give up in my pursue to get my UK Class 1 Medical back in my hand.
I just hope with patience, determination and pure passion and a love for my career, I’ll be able to get it back. It will come with a restriction, I know that for sure, but I will never give up in my pursue to get my UK Class 1 Medical back in my hand.
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 40
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
I went through a major career shift from finance to a more creative field in my mid-30s, and it hit me hard mentally. I dealt with a lot of anxiety, especially because I felt like I was already “too late” to start over. I had a stable job, but it was draining me. My mental health took a nosedive, and even though I wanted to pursue something different, I kept doubting myself.
What helped me was finding ways to support my mental health outside of the traditional medical route. I started focusing on optimizing my lifestyle: things like meditation, daily exercise, and tweaking my diet to keep my energy and mood stable.
What helped me was finding ways to support my mental health outside of the traditional medical route. I started focusing on optimizing my lifestyle: things like meditation, daily exercise, and tweaking my diet to keep my energy and mood stable.
Last edited by aviation421; 4th October 2024 at 07:03.
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 52
Likes: 1
From: UK
I went through a major career shift from finance to a more creative field in my mid-30s, and it hit me hard mentally. I dealt with a lot of anxiety, especially because I felt like I was already “too late” to start over. I had a stable job, but it was draining me. My mental health took a nosedive, and even though I wanted to pursue something different, I kept doubting myself.
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 9
Likes: 12
From: UK
As someone who also suffered anxiety issues during my initial training which culminated in me loosing my medial, your post resinated hard with me. Thankfully I was able to regain my medical after an assessment at Gatwick and have gone on to have a successful career in aviation.
All I can say is, don't give up and if you wanted to chat more about it, please ping me a DM.
Cheers
Matt Dearden
All I can say is, don't give up and if you wanted to chat more about it, please ping me a DM.
Cheers
Matt Dearden
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 22
Likes: 1
From: Dubai, U.A.E.
Hey! It sounds like you’ve been through a lot, and I can relate to feeling pressure during career changes. When I was dealing with anxiety while studying for my own pilot license, I found that talking to a therapist who specialized in aviation really helped me. It was comforting to connect with other student pilots who understood the stress we face. I get your worry about medical evaluations—I was nervous too, but I realized that being open about my experiences actually helped me. If you're concerned about adding to your medical history, consider seeking support through pilot groups or online forums where you can share without the formalities. Taking care of your mental health is super important, especially as you pursue your goals.