Anxiety Therapy okay for aspiring pilot?
 

An aquaintance of mine who found out that I am a private pilot recently informed me that he too has aspirations of becoming an airline pilot. He is smart and in good physical shape but he admitted to me that he is worried about getting a first-class medical or being able to be hired at an airline because a year ago he recieved therapy for anxiety issues. The therapy only lasted several months and he was never on any medication. Is he okay to pursue being a pilot or could this past history be really negative for him?

If I was a passanger, I dont think I would trust my life to a pilot with anxiety issues.

Just my two cents.

Thanks for that insight--oh wait, that's not was I was asking at all dude. It's not like my friend was suicidal at all. If anything, I think a lot of airline pilots seem like they wish they could go to anxiety therapy but choose not to because of the stigma attached( and the possibilty of getting fired---Which is what my original question is basically asking)

In order to get a First class Medical you would have to report all visits to a Doctor..

They (FAA) really scrutinize any trips to see Mental Health professionals.
even if they are for seeingly "Minor" things.

That is why Pilots do not want to go to marrige conseling...............at least that is what I tell my wife.:)

Well, if he/she never took any drugs for it I doubt there’ll be any problems. Just make sure he/she/you ;) resolves all the issues causing anxiety (healthy diet, rest, exercise, etc, usually takes care of people’s anxieties.)

two cents on the therapy question
 

The truth and reality is that Airline Pilots are on all sorts of stuff. And anyone who thinks they don't suffer or have been treated for Anxiety or Depression is living in a dream world.

The sad scenario now we're finding is atleast once a year some show up drunk or carrying a hand gun in their luggage. If I was a passenger I'd much rather fly with a guy whose getting treatment instead of self medicating with alcohol to satisfy some unrealistic FAR.

They teach you that in GS? I don't think "a lot" of pilots fall into that category at all!

You can get anxiety treatment at several establishments in the Reno and Las Vegas areas. A two hour session and about $500 should cure most anxiety. You are only offered prescription medication if your therapy is expected to continue beyond four hours.

RE: Anxiety and Depression
 

What I've told by Instructors and other pilots regarding any previous psychiatric problems you may have or had in the past is to lie. Besides I know of many present commercial pilots who are on some medication. We are all human, including pilots. There are millions of people who take medication for anxiety or depression. If all of a sudden in the middle of your career you encounter such a problem, what are you supposed to do quit and throw everything that you worked hard for down the toilet? These things happen. I would rather fly with someone who has their issues under control by a doctor than with someone who is not being treated.

What the crap is "anxiety therapy"?