Why Pilots Don't Want To Talk About Mental Health

Pilots get anxiety and depression just like many of the rest of us do, but they seem less likely to seek support and treatment. Why? How can we change it?

[Illustration by Amy Jo Sledge]

Key Takeaways:

Pilots often avoid seeking mental health support for conditions like anxiety and depression due to fear of losing their FAA medical certificate and career, despite these issues being prevalent.
Strict FAA regulations concerning mental health conditions and limited approved medications contribute significantly to pilots' reluctance to disclose struggles or seek treatment.
The aviation industry, including major airlines and universities, is increasingly developing peer support programs and other initiatives to destigmatize mental health and provide confidential resources for pilots and students.
Experts emphasize the importance of seeking mental health care for overall well-being, noting that the actual loss of a medical certificate due to receiving help is rare and often exaggerated, advocating for normalized conversations around mental health.

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An airline captain flies long-haul on heavy equipment for an international carrier. He’s at the top of his game—both professionally and personally, with a young family and a successful side business that keeps him busy and fulfilled even on his days off.

“Pilots believe that being vulnerable, and sharing feelings or struggles, such as anxiety, depression, and chronic stress, would be at best humiliating or embarrassing, and, at worst, the end of their flying career.”