Mental Health and Wellness
Aviation, particularly commercial aviation, is characterized by stringent safety standards and high-stress environments. The industry historically has placed a significant emphasis on physical health and technical proficiency. Mental health, an equally crucial aspect of overall well-being and operational safety, often has been relegated to the background, enveloped in stigma, misunderstanding and, in some cases, fear of losing one’s livelihood.
Traditional attitudes toward mental health started to change following the Germanwings tragedy in March 2015. Navigating the global COVID-19 pandemic also has contributed to more enlightened attitudes about mental health and wellness.
Flight Safety Foundation envisions an aviation industry where mental health and overall wellness are integral components of safety and operational excellence. The Foundation calls for a unified approach among airlines, regulatory bodies, health professionals, and the broader aviation community to prioritize mental health, ensure the well-being of aviation personnel, and enhance the overall safety and resilience of aviation operations.
Path to Wellness: Charting a Course for Mental Health in Aviation
Throughout Path to Wellness: Charting a Course for Mental Health in Aviation, the Foundation underscores the importance of addressing the stigma associated with mental health issues. Through a detailed examination of case studies, the Foundation illustrates the consequences of neglecting mental health and the need for continuous support, rigorous screening, and a culture that encourages openness and assistance-seeking.
Also in this paper, the Foundation proposes a series of actionable strategies aimed at improving mental health support and practices within the industry. The Foundation emphasizes the need for a proactive approach to mental health management, focusing on early intervention, enhanced access to mental health resources, and the creation of a supportive work environment tailored to individual needs. By fostering a culture of openness, support, and collaboration, the industry can significantly advance its handling of mental health concerns, thereby ensuring the safety, well-being, and efficiency of its workforce and the flying public.
An Aviation Professional’s Guide to Wellbeing
An Aviation Professional’s Guide to Wellbeing was developed in 2020 by Flight Safety Foundation members, academic researchers and aviation professionals from across the industry. The Foundation published this document as part of its broader effort to help the industry cope with the personal and professional impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our industry works well because of the efforts of all the people involved and it is important to the industry’s future for all of us to be as healthy mentally, physically and emotionally as possible.
In addition to English, this document is available in Spanish, French, and Chinese.