Optimizing Mental Wellbeing, A Safety Imperative for Flight Crews and Airlines

As a professional working in the aviation and aerospace industry, you know firsthand the incredible demands and challenges that come with this high-pressure field. Jetlag, long hours, uncertainty, operational issues, commercial concerns, and the need for constant alertness and monitoring can all take a toll on your mental and physical wellbeing. About 20 years ago, I had just finished a rather long spate of demanding duty days at a time when I thought I was invincible and able to operate on 4 hours of sleep per night and give full effort. I was taking a walk along a beachfront at Dun Laoghaire, in Dublin Ireland when suddenly I saw a swirling sphere of liquid light of brilliant colors and rotating and floating towards me. I traced it as it floated up along my right arm and as soon as it reached my head, I blacked out. Next thing I knew I woke up with a crowd around me and an ambulance on scene. After a week in hospital and every kind of test you can imagine, I was released without any clear idea of what had happened. Two things came out of it, one I realized that I was not invincible and that things can happen, and that we need to be taking care of our mind and body very well. The second was that I became passionate about the power of the mind, and wanted to learn everything there is to know about Positive and Applied Psychology. I found that we can condition and train ourselves to develop the skills and abilities to deal with modern living.

Having worked with many world-class high-performing individuals and teams, including top training pilots and aviation professionals around the globe, I've seen how focus, dedication, and resilience can lead to achieving excellence in this field. However, I've also witnessed the unique stressors and challenges that can arise in this industry. I’ve been involved in operations that the phrase Work Related Stress (WRS) does not even come close to describing. Yet I have enjoyed and loved this field passionately and it has done so many great things for me.

It's therefore crucial to prioritize your mental and physical wellbeing when striving for excellence and improving performance. The management of mental health and wellbeing while on and off duty needs to be considered a vital safety behavior. By taking care of your mental and physical health, you will be better equipped to handle the demands and challenges of your profession. With simple and accessible practices such as Mindfulness, Meditation and Mental Training such as those outlined in the Top Mind training system, you can set yourself on the right path to a balanced lifestyle.

Unfortunately, the responsibility of managing mental health and wellbeing often falls solely on pilots and other aviation professionals themselves. While research has led to evidence-based recommendations for interventions to promote wellbeing in the workplace, including positive mental health and mental wellbeing, there is a need for more support and resources focused on this area.

Airlines and aerospace companies must provide more robust support to their pilots and other professionals. This support could include increased access to preventative mental health treatment, supporting pilot training in adopting healthy behaviors, using specific coping strategies, mental training in resilience and adaptability and identifying risks.

Ultimately, prioritizing mental wellbeing isn't just a personal responsibility, it's a safety imperative. When optimizing your mental and physical health you'll be better equipped to handle the unique challenges and stressors that come with it. Take the time to prioritize your wellbeing, and don't hesitate to seek out the necessary support and resources to help you thrive in this demanding field.

It's up to all of us to prioritize and advocate for mental health and wellbeing in our industry.

Whether you're a seasoned pilot or just starting out in your aviation career, remember that prioritizing your mental and physical well-being is crucial for your success and safety. Don't hesitate to seek out the support and resources you need to help you excel in your profession while maintaining your overall health and well-being. If you feel you need qualified and specialized assistance in this area of your life, do make sure to contact your healthcare professional.