This was true in the past, but the FAA recently eased up on the limitations.

Previously you had to be off meds for at least 6 months and have no current clinical diagnosis. There are now limited provisions for flying while taking certain meds as long as the meds work...ie no active disorder.

I believe that anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder fall under the new policy.

A few caveats:

- Since "suicidal ideations" were involved I suspect (but don't really know) that the threshold will be higher to get your medical back. A suicidal pilot is last thing they want, and is the reason why those disorders are disqualifying.

- While you may be able to fly while on meds, that will likely make it very hard to get hired by an airline with a special issuance medical. You might not even be able to get a first class medical on meds. So the goal would be to manage the problem so that you can stay off meds if that's medically realistic in your case.

- Some disorders of this nature have biological/genetic roots, ie some people are just prone to it and a few may need to be on meds for life. But in most cases a person who is aware of himself and his environment can avoid falling into these disorders in the first place. Do some research online. Diet, exercise, limiting alcohol, managing stress, and simply being aware of how you can fall into a mental spiral can keep you out of trouble.

- Pilots can fall into the trap of not seeking help because of the career ramifications, so some suffer through life with low-grade disorders. Don't go down that road, your health and happiness is far more important than aviation.



If you're interested in a career, I would probably seek assistance from an aviation medicine consultant before you talk to the FAA or an AME. Do not fill out an FAA medical app or go flying until you get all the legalities figured out.