Mental/Emotional Health
I’m writing a research paper for school. My topic is the mental/emotional health of pilots in the transportation industry. I’m not talking about people with clinical diagnosis like schizophrenia or bi-polar, I’m mostly addressing depression, anxiety, and stress and how it affects performance as a pilot. Because I am only a student and I am not yet in the field, I’d like to get some insight from those of you with direct experience.
What does the industry have to offer regarding treatment or support? When in the flight deck, how does your co-pilot’s “bad day” (or chronic bad days) affect the flight? If a pilot is having a “bad day” is that a justified reason to call in sick or does management disapprove? Any and other pertinent comments are welcome. Thanks.