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rayjax82 wrote:Youre right pdrake. But what do you do about the stigma surrounding depression and other mental health issues?

'Cause I guarantee calling into work(pilot or otherwise) as depressed will get your ass fired faster than popping positive on a drug test.

I wouldn't think so, if you go in saying that you need a break, want to preform your job with a clear head, and seek the help you really need. I'm pretty sure they would work with you and maybe even help. Honesty and being up front goes along ways.

I wonder if the union has established a policy or precedent that enables pilots to ask for and receive support while protecting their jobs. Plus, mental health issues don't all need to be related to depression -- stress alone can sometimes be difficult to manage.

TechnoWeenie wrote:

cmica wrote:oh ya while at it with flip toilet lids you can always draw a curtain for privacy, do know there are lady pilots.

You misspelled 'stewardess'

I snerked.

..wouldn't trust a drink passer outer to save a plane..

Bartenders can save the world my friend.

glockgirl wrote:

TechnoWeenie wrote:

cmica wrote:oh ya while at it with flip toilet lids you can always draw a curtain for privacy, do know there are lady pilots.

You misspelled 'stewardess'

Aaaand your misogynistic (look it up--it's a big word) streak shows again. Nice.

*ding*...

This is your captain speaking, I hope you're enjoying your flight, we're making good time, clear skies all the way to your destination...if you look to your right, you'll see the mountain made of a mole hill and the sense of humor that someone lost........tthe seat belt signs will be off shortly and you'll be free to move about the cabin.... thank you for flying Parks Air.'

rayjax82 wrote:Youre right pdrake. But what do you do about the stigma surrounding depression and other mental health issues?

'Cause I guarantee calling into work(pilot or otherwise) as depressed will get your ass fired faster than popping positive on a drug test.

@RayJax, I don't pretend to have the wisdom to be able to answer your question. I know this is a serious concern for CPL holders (...."ex-spouse says I am dangerous, sheriff seizes all my guns, no way to protest...."). Yes, there is a stigma attached to mental health. I just don't know.

What I do believe is this: A very large percentage of our homeless problem, of our "meth head" problem, our swelling prison population problem, is actually a mental health problem. I, too, worry about forced incarceration by the state, and the possibility of abuse by authorities. But the likes of Adam Lanza (and, now, German Wings pilot Andreas) seem like clear examples of mental health time bombs that went off before they could be caught and isolated, if not treated.

As I said, the diagnosis of the problem seems so obvious to me, I just don't know what the solution is. I will defer to others to suggest a good way forward.