Okay <deep breath> let’s do this. Opening up the floor for discussion.

Using difficult experiences to make others’ lives just a little bit easier makes my own a touch easier to process, too.

So, let’s talk pilot mental health...

[1/n]

Why do I talk about this?

I once got approached by a captain, who I’d never even flown with, asking if I was “the one everyone talks to when they’re struggling”.

I have never had a greater compliment.

[2/n]

Trust, openness and self reflection made all the difference for that individual. They’re now flying for a major airline and life is much more settled. We still talk occasionally.

[3/n]

This is far from the only time I’ve spoken to Pilots who are struggling.

We are all only human, with all the challenges of everyday life, as well as unique ones caused by the shift work, constantly changing crews (I rarely fly with the same captain twice) & fatigue.

[4/n]

But let’s address the elephant in the room - the risk.

Pilots with mental health issues are vanishingly unlikely to want to hurt anyone else in the process of dealing with their internal pain. In fact, there have been only 6 instances *worldwide* in the last 30 years.

[5/n]

And this is why it needs spoken about. We are human. We struggle too. And it’s recoverable. With treatment. The aviation authorities are increasingly more supportive to those who seek treatment, and it’s far from a career stopper.

[6/n]

We all struggle sometimes.

Asking for help doesn’t make you weak. It makes you human.

I’m not an expert. But facilitating the discussion is the tiny contribution that I *can* make.

[7/7]

@LaurenAirshows @mmsBA @Ian_Gale @CSEL_NATOAIRCOM

#mentalhealth #aviation #avgeek