Got The Bug: Aviation, Anxiety & Depression

By Anonymous Pilot

I started out in aviation late in life, I had zero family members that were pilots but somehow I got the bug.

I have been flying professionally for almost a decade and have been internally battling with social anxiety and depression.

As a human, when I am flying I never feel more confident in my abilities to fly the aircraft or keep my passengers safe. However, when I am not flying I deal with issues that prevent me from having not only a healthy personal life but the ability to grow and better myself as a person since I’m not able to fully deal with my anxiety and depression issues. It runs in the family.

The fear of losing my medical has stopped me from even attempting to get professional help.

I hope organizations like yours help normalize these issues. That just because you have anxiety or depression in your personal life, doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a danger in the cockpit. Admitting you have anxiety shouldn’t mean an end in your career or even a pause. You shouldn’t be punished.

It’s absurd that the FAA thinks that pilots are immune to everyday human issues. The stigma needs to change.

What’s Your Title?

Pilot

What is your favorite quote?

“There’s likely a place in paradise for people who tried hard, but what really matters is succeeding. If that requires you to change, that’s your mission.”

– General Stanley McChrystal, U.S. Army Retired