Originally Posted by
Excargodog
https://youtu.be/FebHBtwezwE
https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/aam/ame/guide/media/SituationalDepression.pdf
Because your condition lasted longer than six months the AME will not be able to issue, your case MUST be referred to FAA Med standards folks at OKC. Whether they will issue a SI at all, as well as what the timing might be for such issuance is dependent upon the specific facts of your case, the quality of the recommendations by your treating physician, and the skill and experience of the AME putting it in to the system.
My guess - and it’s only that - is that it will not be quick, not be cheap, and no guarantee of eventual success. It’s a big CYA bureaucracy and can proceed with glacial-like speed at times. I wish it were different for you, but I doubt that it will be.
I think that *resolved* depression, without any complications and without the need for meds will be straightforward. Maybe eventually a regular issuance, not SI.
He did not say he was depressed for 3+ years, just unemployed. Sounds like the depression resolved fairly quickly with the right meds. Even if took the meds for a few years that doesn't mean he was depressed or that he actually needed the meds. For most people, the docs may just leave you on meds longer term rather than risk relapse. For a pilot, it's obviously better to get happy and then try to get off and stay off the meds.
Red flags would be going off meds and then needing to go back, or multiple episodes of depression/anxiety. Anything other than depression/anxiety is bad.
For one episode, they know that most people can learn to stay happy without meds... once they know how it all works.