Pilot Minute: What should I do if I have depression or anxiety?

In this episode of the Pilot Minute, Federal Air Surgeon Susan Northrup, MD, MPH explains the importance of early treatment for mental health and reinforces preflight self-assessment using the I’M SAFE checklist.

Pilot Minute is produced by the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute, Medical Education Division in association with FAA Media Solutions.

[josephkaminski]

The first thing they can do immediately is TERMINATE the verifications and testing needed for Depression that has been resolved 5 or more years prior to 3rd class application. It is ridiculous to do all that is required in a deferral over a depression that is long over and only stated on application by the applicant to be truthful according to the law. Because the question asks if YOU EVER IN YOUR LIFE had. It seems to me as a former NASA technical director that the FAA requirements to prove what a Depression status was that is long resolved and over and not even treated anymore is ridiculous. It should stop Immediately, and it can be stopped by a immediate directive from Mrs. Northop.

[igclapp]

Thank you for this video, Dr. Northrup. However, would it be possible for the FAA to put time limits on questions related to medical history? For example, 30 years ago a person was treated for depression during college. Treatment was successful and there was no subsequent event of depression after treatment ended 30 years ago. Since there is no time limit on reporting, a new pilot applying for his/her first medical certificate has to report the treatment of depression 30 years ago. The FAA may then require him/her to undergo a psychiatric exam at considerable cost. Wouldn't it be better to ask on the medical application if there has been any treatment for depression in, say, the past ten years? Thank you.

[lancedunlap]

The rules the FAA has put in place are set up in such a way that any mental illness or even mental stress that you seek help for can end your flying career. It has created a situation where pilots are afraid to seek help or to ever even admit that they may need assistance. So we have pilots in the sky who need assistance but cannot ask for it.
The FAA's response is to make a one-minute video, that says you should get help... and you MAY not even lose your medical if you ask for assistance, very reassuring FAA.
All the while showing someone enjoying their flying privileges, that you MAY not lose if you seek help.
It's a callous video from the FAA that comes off as flippant and fails to address any concerns that someone who would take the time to watch the video might have.

[AdrianaDiGeronimo]

Mental Health is a real issue, I used to think it was just a choice from people to behave certain way until I was diagnosed with PTSD. I didn't know I had it until I had the proper treatment and started to feel way better.

[spontaneousbob]

Mental Health is an important topic that we need to discuss openly and honestly. Thanks for addressing it!

[AN-jzpx]

I can man-handle an airplane and come from a family of pilots. I have my PPL and had to stop due to anxiety and the fact that no matter what I did I just couldn't feel comfortable. I would be flying and would look down, and feel like I was breathing through a straw and wanted to get out of the airplane. Sadly, I had to make the decision to stop flying solo. If a competent pilot is next to me, I feel like I can do an 8 point roll blind folded.

[downandlocked]

Can someone please explain to everyone why Trent Palmer and the rest of us can go to jail for performing a go-around? Based on non-admissible evidence that actually shows he was following the FAA’s own guidance!? Is there enough internal accountability for you to afford us all that clarification? Thank you - The entire international aviation community.

[joejoey]

FAA be like : functioning alcoholic… right on sir keep it up
Seeing a psychiatrist because an acutely onset of depression… go right to jail

[Steve-Maverick]

Beware! It takes thousands of dollars and many. many months (or years) to maybe, just maybe get cleared. Once cleared with a special issuance, it's virtually impossible to get a regular issuance when you're off the meds, even if it's been years since last taken. The PR campaign by the FAA about embracing mental health issues and providing pathways to fly is very disingenuous for the average GA pilot, especially if you don't want Basic Med. The problem Dr. Northop is "Have you ever...". Until you fix that, you're encouraging pilots not to be forthcoming despite what you profess on your 1 minute video.

[jagboy]

So I have a student that claims he is a house plant, but still wants his private certificate. Not sure how to proceed with this one?

[phish_]

I’ve already tried all of the medication!!!

Maybe my money or savings from working hard will be finished just because of buying medication!!!

I can’t buy anymore medicine!!!! 😂😂😂

Honestly I have depression and anxiety because of too many bills. Poverty gives me depression and anxiety!!! My money is already finished!!! 😂😂😂

I’ve been to the doctors already and my salary just went to them! Sometimes I can’t buy anymore food just because i have to priority my medicine and pay the doctors!

[TheLoonever]

Did yall get permission to use those Meeples ;)

[Jirekianu]

A pilot is still not going to go to a therapist or counselor because if they receive treatment for depression, anxiety, or other very common problems in a high stress job. And god forbid they take medication for it. They'll be grounded and pretty much left that way for life. The FAAs stance on this subject is laughably out of touch with reality. And basically just breeds a culture in which pilots refuse to ever seek help and they eventually just implode from stress. Leading to catastrophic results because in refusing to tolerate a person bending, the FFA assures that they'll break.