Anxiety / Depression Disclosure

P

PennzAviation

Guest
So here’s my story and why it’s time to seek professional help. First, I’m a very experienced corporate pilot of almost 40 years and 95% of it Part 91 Corporate. I’m an ATP with a 1st class medical and almost perfect physical health for a 64 y/o. I have over 13K hours domestic and international. I’m not ready to hang the wings up yet…not permanently. (But, I’m ready to if need be.)

Here’s the problem … I’m ready to seek professional help because I’ve battle anxiety (and possibly mild depression) for the past two years and have mostly managed it with exercise, meditation, supplements (Legal) and just plowing through it. I’ve never disclosed on the FAA Form 8500-8, because I haven’t been diagnosed, talked to a professional or taken any medications that require approval. BUT, NOW IS THE TIME! I need help.

Now my question to you wonderful folks …
How do I disclose and to whom first?
My GP?
A Psychiatrist?
My AME?
A HIMS AME? (I have a good one I personally know who would be wonderful)
My HR Department?
My Director of Aviation?

Has anyone been through this who could share their experience? (good or bad) It’s a big scary step for me, but one in which I want to be prepared.
BTW … I’m covered for disability, STD, LTD and even pay for SLTD.

Thanks so much in advance! - Anonymous by choice
 
Were you taking Antidepresants and flying? It's gonna be a slog.
 
RadialGal said:
Were you taking Antidepresants and flying? It's gonna be a slog.
Click to expand...
No… never taken anything for it except CBD. And no, not full spectrum. I’m as clean as they come. I’m not sure what you mean by slog? Please explain.
 
PennzAviation said:
So here’s my story and why it’s time to seek professional help. First, I’m a very experienced corporate pilot of almost 40 years and 95% of it Part 91 Corporate. I’m an ATP with a 1st class medical and almost perfect physical health for a 64 y/o. I have over 13K hours domestic and international. I’m not ready to hang the wings up yet…not permanently. (But, I’m ready to if need be.)

Here’s the problem … I’m ready to seek professional help because I’ve battle anxiety (and possibly mild depression) for the past two years and have mostly managed it with exercise, meditation, supplements (Legal) and just plowing through it. I’ve never disclosed on the FAA Form 8500-8, because I haven’t been diagnosed, talked to a professional or taken any medications that require approval. BUT, NOW IS THE TIME! I need help.

Now my question to you wonderful folks …
How do I disclose and to whom first?
My GP?
A Psychiatrist?
My AME?
A HIMS AME? (I have a good one I personally know who would be wonderful)
My HR Department?
My Director of Aviation?

Has anyone been through this who could share their experience? (good or bad) It’s a big scary step for me, but one in which I want to be prepared.
BTW … I’m covered for disability, STD, LTD and even pay for SLTD.

Thanks so much in advance! - Anonymous by choice
Click to expand...
Have you tried your company's EAP? A religious leader? A therapist? Discussions with any of these is not required to be disclosed on your medical unless you receive treatment for a psychiatric condition. Why not pay cash, so there's no insurance shenanigans, and get a professional opinion before you dive into the deep end? Maybe some talk therapy will help you.
 
Lindberg said:
Have you tried your company's EAP? A religious leader? A therapist? Discussions with any of these is not required to be disclosed on your medical unless you receive treatment for a psychiatric condition. Why not pay cash, so there's no insurance shenanigans, and get a professional opinion before you dive into the deep end? Maybe some talk therapy will help you.
Click to expand...
Thanks so much for your reply @Lindberg, I HAVE gone through my company EAP and had talk therapy for 4 allotted sessions. (they never understand the whole pilot/FAA relationship in regards to mental health so trying to explain takes almost a whole session.) I was then referred to an outside therapist, but then comes the "hide it by paying cash" game. Insurance won't cover treatment without a diagnosis. I'm truly needing both therapy and possibly a med to help. So... I'm committed to seeking effective, above the table help in spite of the professional ramifications. My question is, as listed in my original post, how to disclose and in what order.
 
PennzAviation said:
So here’s my story and why it’s time to seek professional help. First, I’m a very experienced corporate pilot of almost 40 years and 95% of it Part 91 Corporate. I’m an ATP with a 1st class medical and almost perfect physical health for a 64 y/o. I have over 13K hours domestic and international. I’m not ready to hang the wings up yet…not permanently. (But, I’m ready to if need be.)

Here’s the problem … I’m ready to seek professional help because I’ve battle anxiety (and possibly mild depression) for the past two years and have mostly managed it with exercise, meditation, supplements (Legal) and just plowing through it. I’ve never disclosed on the FAA Form 8500-8, because I haven’t been diagnosed, talked to a professional or taken any medications that require approval. BUT, NOW IS THE TIME! I need help.

Now my question to you wonderful folks …
How do I disclose and to whom first?
My GP?
A Psychiatrist?
My AME?
A HIMS AME? (I have a good one I personally know who would be wonderful)
My HR Department?
My Director of Aviation?

Has anyone been through this who could share their experience? (good or bad) It’s a big scary step for me, but one in which I want to be prepared.
BTW … I’m covered for disability, STD, LTD and even pay for SLTD.

Thanks so much in advance! - Anonymous by choice
Click to expand...
send me an email at www.aeromedicaldoc.com...there's a message box.....B
 
Good on you guys to seek help. I always think it takes big guts to admit needing help, but perhaps rather it represents how bad it has gotten. Wishing you well.
 
Advice: look up the situational depression and anxiety/depression AME tools. Take them to your provider and discuss whether your insurance diagnosis and Rx can be written to comply, in order to minimize any delay.

Avoid 2 meds at once, if possible.
 
PennzAviation said:
Thanks so much for your reply @Lindberg, I HAVE gone through my company EAP and had talk therapy for 4 allotted sessions. (they never understand the whole pilot/FAA relationship in regards to mental health so trying to explain takes almost a whole session.) I was then referred to an outside therapist, but then comes the "hide it by paying cash" game. Insurance won't cover treatment without a diagnosis. I'm truly needing both therapy and possibly a med to help. So... I'm committed to seeking effective, above the table help in spite of the professional ramifications. My question is, as listed in my original post, how to disclose and in what order.
Click to expand...
It's not about hiding it by paying cash, it's about removing the imperative to come up with an insurable diagnosis. Providers understand this. It sounds like you're beyond that though, and good for you putting your health first.
 
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