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[Aviator3925]

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[Aviator3925]

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[fish4life]

Most airlines have programs, I believe ALPA has an ALPA wide assistance

[PodPilotProject]

Trying to find out about mental health resources available to pilots without compromising CAT 1 medical. Tried researching on the internet and cane across some stuff for the USA but couldn’t find anything for Canada.

Asking for a friend just going through a rough patch in life, not diagnosed/suffering from Clinical Depression. No history of anxiety/panic attacks or any other episodes. Trying to help out as much as possible, but I think some professional help might help them more.

Hey!

I'll give you a quick background on myself - RCAF pilot with PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

I would be happy to talk to your friend a little in terms of general advice dealing with mental health issues. I can't offer specific advice to him to navigate the civilian world, HOWEVER.

This document goes through explaining how they deal with things if it DOES need to be dealt with. The upshot is, they judge things on a case by case basis. If you end up needing SSRIs or similar meds, you need to be on a stable, maintenance dose for 4 months (they say the process takes about 6 months), and check in with a psych every 6 months. WHICH, if I am being transparent, he may need to do anyway (I see mine bi-weekly). The drugs are no big deal, this isn't the old days with crazy ass addicting drugs that make you a zombie. They may try a couple to find the right one but the good news is, if meds are needed, there are lots that are approved for flying.

If I can help in any way, shape or form, please send me an email at thepilotprojectpodcast@gmail.com (I'm not always on here often). I will be absolutely discreet - helping people who are having a hard time is a passion of mine, born through experience.

all the best,