Resuming Flying After Depression
 

Going through a very rough time in my life right now, suffering from depression. Its been triggered by a situation in particular, never been an issue in 15 years flying before now.

Have taken myself off flying, was expat over 10000 hours total time, most of it widebody.

Have battled away for the past nine months or so with counselling, no medical intervention, but feel the time is approaching where anti depressants may be required.

Would appreciate it very much if any airline pilot who has been down this path could provide some feedback (pm if you like), resuming flying and medical re-certification with the UK CAA in particular.

Thanks.

I can't advise about the CAA issues, but I can say that some of the modern antidepressants are astonishingly efficient - if you can tolerate the side effects. Fiery indigestion, tremor and disrupted sleep-patterns to name but a few. They are supposed to fade into the background but the timescale is all important to anyone with a critical job. What is certain is the need to get things right; a depressed mind makes a dulled brain. Depression really will lower processing power.

First and foremost, is your depression justified? That is to suggest, 'I'd be crazy not to be depressed'. Life hands out some cruel challenges and quite rational minds often buckle under the strain. To be sure about the validity of the need for treatment is a tough decision and perhaps one of the most important functions of qualified counsellors.

Hopefully someone with CAA regulations will join the thread, but do be aware, once on a suitable course your whole viewpoint will change incredibly quickly and with it an increased ability to do battle with life.

Ravi... There have been various other posts on depression on PPRUNE and I suspect the CAA will view it on a case by case basis, and I do not think things after going to get easier after Germanwings.

If you can I would try to resolve matters without medication. I am a bit sceptical about counselling and actually as your GP for CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). The other things that might help is exercise, cut down or stop drinking, eat a more health diet, have a look at the Holmes and Rahe scale (you can do that online), take up a new hobby.

I think if you can demostate that you have or are resulving matters without medication using some of the above, this will make things easier with the CAA. Also be sure you get your GP on your side and agree an axtion plan with him or her, that way your GP may smooth things with the CAA.

Ravi Shankar

Ravi, I created an account just to answer this question. Unfortunately my account is too new so I can't PM you. There are Pilots out there who have been officially diagnosed with depression, and are taking SSRIs while remaining on duty. The UK CAA approves of 3 different medication, and that is Escitalopram, Citalopram and Sertraline. Upon declaring you have a mood disorder, you are deemed to be unfit to fly. To fix that, you will need to see your AME with a report saying you are mentally stable, followed by a visit to the CAA Psychiatrist, who will then put you forward for a Sim Check. When you pass these hurdles, you are then reissued your Class 1 Medical with Multicrew Limitations. This means you may not be allowed to fly solo on SEPs during your time off.

As I am new to PPRuNe, I am unable to post links outside the board. But if you are able to PM me or provide me with an external contact method, I can supply you with a link which contains more information.

Money is a very powerful antidepressant drug
 

Mind you, no amount of money will whisk away the pain of divorce, death of a loved one, job loss or diagnosis of a nasty medical condition.

But most of life's inevitable troubles are much easier to handle when finances are not a challenge;)

Hey, I'm sorry for your condition but I want to let you know that it's okay and you're not alone. I had struggled with severe depression and anxiety disorder (which I still have) approximately 5 years ago. I also taken myself off flying. But at some point, I recognized that it couldn't be like that anymore and that I had to stop it. I identified my goals and passion in life. It triggered me to push forward and I turned back to flying.
It's all in your head. You should define what life is all about and what's your point of being in it. Then you should set your goals and your infinite passion. Be confident. Be ready for the changes and accept challenges. If your passion is flying, then nothing should stop you. Good luck.

Thanks very much everybody for the informative replies. Much appreciated.

DoggyWoggy, I tried to PM you but it didn't go through.

What he said