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Airline pilots anonymously report suicidal thoughts, study finds
Hundreds of pilots who are currently flying commercial planes may be clinically depressed, according to research published in the journal Environmental Health on Wednesday. Worse still, many pilots with symptoms of depression may not seek treatment due to fears of negative career consequences, such as being grounded, said researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (www.cnn.com) Más...Sort type: [Top] [Newest]
I am a pharmacist by trade. They tell us that as many as 17% of the population suffer from depression. Some of them have professions that if they decide to take some drastic action, it could cause harm to many innocent souls. We need to have a culture that is capable of helping individuals who are struggling through life. Treatment is effective in many cases. Living in a world where we are all happy with the quality of our life is preferable to feeling that life is hopeless.
Pleasure to notice another non aviator like me venturing on this Aviators' portal.
Wishing u
Happy n safe "flying" here.
Regards
Wishing u
Happy n safe "flying" here.
Regards
[This poster has been suspended.]
ThanX my friend Wilbur Sanchez for the kind words encapsulating a world of wisdom.
Atleast someone understands the meaning and purpose of " brain storming " !
Regards
Atleast someone understands the meaning and purpose of " brain storming " !
Regards
How many medical conditions does the FAA recognize that when treated do not prohibit a pilot from flying? Aside from the social stigma attached with depression, how different is it?
The FAA doesn't publish much that's easily read on the topic, but the AOPA has a great web site that spells this all out. Here's the top level link:
https://www.aopa.org/go-fly/medical-resources/health-conditions
and the section on mental health.
https://www.aopa.org/go-fly/medical-resources/health-conditions/mental-health/special-issuance-certification-for-depression-with-antidepressant-usage
Note the rather substantial restrictions listed -- one of four drugs, nothing else, no combinations, and certain specific symptoms or history are permanently disqualifying. It's great that they're allowing "something," I guess.
https://www.aopa.org/go-fly/medical-resources/health-conditions
and the section on mental health.
https://www.aopa.org/go-fly/medical-resources/health-conditions/mental-health/special-issuance-certification-for-depression-with-antidepressant-usage
Note the rather substantial restrictions listed -- one of four drugs, nothing else, no combinations, and certain specific symptoms or history are permanently disqualifying. It's great that they're allowing "something," I guess.
I get it that the FAA wants to be extremely conservative with Pilots who are taking prescription medications. It is time that a comprehensive review of all medications and whether the current restrictions are warranted. Preacher got caught up in this mess because his was an insulin dependent diabetic. Our knowledge of medications and how they effect performance is far superior to what was available just a few years ago. The frustration with the FAA(and many other government agencies) is their inability or unwillingness to stay current.
My point is that, at a bottom line, it's much safer for everyone if pilots seek medical treatment when needed. Any system that actively discourages that is a hindrance to safety, not a benefit.
Dear friend paul trubits , I fully agree and echo your sentiments about the need for staying current.
It has always been cardinal and hence critical to keep up with the times , subject to resources in terms of costs/ finances and the information systems.
US and in turn FAA have no dearth on both counts.
Clearly the need of the hour may be the will to do so.
Also , let us not forget that what FAA does sets examples for others to emulate for which FAA in particular and Americans in general can be proud of.
My half cent.
It has always been cardinal and hence critical to keep up with the times , subject to resources in terms of costs/ finances and the information systems.
US and in turn FAA have no dearth on both counts.
Clearly the need of the hour may be the will to do so.
Also , let us not forget that what FAA does sets examples for others to emulate for which FAA in particular and Americans in general can be proud of.
My half cent.
12% of the respondents of the anonymous survey "met the criteria for likely depression" and "By comparison, 7% of people in the United States experienced depression in the past year"
That is an apples-to-oranges comparison. One question would be the percentage meeting the criteria if the survey was not anonymous. Surveyed pilots indicated tendencies while the general population figure was clinical diagnoses. It is an issue in aviation and other professions but not as severe as the news article would lead you to infer.
7% depression rate in the US? I think is was probably quite a bit higher on Nov 10, 2016.