Maybe people need to be less judgemental and realise that we have a very real issue in our industry that needs to be addressed -

Think Your Job Is Depressing? Try Being an Airline Pilot | Smart News | Smithsonian

I'm kind of amazed that anyone whose pilot certificate is the key to their livelihood would admit to being depressed, or anything that could be construed that way. In the US at least, admitting to "suicidal thoughts" is a good way to find out how depressing it is to NOT be an airline pilot (or any other kind).

n5296s,

You have just provided the exact example of why we have such a big problem in the industry.

While working in Atyrau, Kazakhstan, we had to report to the Med Department before the first flight of each day. They did a basic check and filled out the release forms.

They did tag one guy while I was there for having alcohol on his breath so I guess this system would have worked for the fellow in the article.