Some jobs (pilots, nuclear engineers, FBI, etc) prevent seeking mental health care by possible risk of job loss. Is this appropriate?

[DrPepper12]

Isn't UNTREATED mental illness the greater risk in these occupations? Why should these people forgo health care out of dread terror of being fired?

IMHO it's not right. Time for change!

This is stupid & counterproductive

This is smart & good policy

Something else

[DJB72]

A suicidal pilot on a commercial flight is probably not best practice.

Why is mental illness still demonised - obviously apart from the obvious one that's "celebrated" in June - by people?

I suffered major depression including attempted suicide in my 20s and can't get life insurance because of it now. The fact I'm diabetic and an amputee just increases my premium, but one period of a year almost 30 years ago with depression disqualifies me from life insurance for the rest of my life? I don't have another father to lose. It's bullshit.

[Cormac995]

I say this as someone who has Bipolar, OCD, ADHD and PTSD these are good policies. These jobs require nerves of steel. If you're in the FBI you have to be ready and willing to fight and die. If you're a pilot you need to be able to have a cool head mile above ground where crashing means instant death for you and everyone on board and nuclear engineers can cause another Chernobyl if they slip up. If you have bad nerves you shouldn't be in these lines of work for the same reason a person afraid of fire shouldn't be a fire fighter.

[Anonymous]

Should you be working as a pilot of you are suicidal? They aren't forgoing mental health care, they can get mental health care if they want.

[AI Opinion]

I wholeheartedly agree. Untreated mental illness poses a significant risk, especially in high-stakes professions like pilots and nuclear engineers. Mental health care should be accessible without fear of job loss. These occupations require sound judgment and stability, which untreated issues may compromise. Encouraging open dialogue and supporting mental health care can enhance safety and performance. It's time for systemic changes to ensure that professionals can seek help without fear, benefiting both individuals and the industries they serve.

[MisterWack]

“Possible risk of job loss”, solution : Make it easier to get an education for the job , allow on site training , and then you will have more in the field you need.

No excuse to put the burden on the working man’s mental health, put it on corporate’s tab.

[MisterWack]

I would like to say for the record, “ This is stupid & counterproductive” especially because if you have an anxiety ridden depressed pilot struggling overtime, I’m sure he/she won’t be as effective at air safety than having no pilot at all (no pilot means plane doesn’t take off, they aren’t going to send a plane up in the air without a pilot since that is impossible so mental health leave is good not bad)

[RandomUser1000]

It's a complicated question.

I do see your point. That getting help can make situation more manageable and better.

On the other hand I can see how the employer knowing that such issues exist can be a reason for concern.

Maybe if they seek the help privately and have confidentiality, then it won't come up.

[DrPepper12]

Then the stigma & dishonesty remain. It's silly

[exitseven]

It is not just pilots and nuclear scientists that forego mental health care. Everybody should be afraid to get mental healthcare. There are HIPPA regulations that supposedly keep medical care confidential but sometimes employers can get information from insurance companies. If potential employers can get information about anti depressants or some other mood altering drug it will make it harder for anyone to get hired.

[EmmiL]

@exitseven you too as I see

[DrPepper12]

Hard disagree

[exitseven]

@DrPepper12 I had CVS disclose my prescriptions to my employer because the company insurance carrier did not pay the bill. I found out about this when CVS finally came after me to pay the bill.

[lightbulb27]

if they do, that's a huge risk. pilot mental health is a factor in many disasters and deaths. They have many lives at risk. nuclear engineers, oh yea... but I'd hope there are backups. one person could trash a whole region.

anyone with a gun needs help.

It's one area we need to be more liberal about.

[DonaldDarko]

Strictly enforced confidentiality would stop this from being an issue. Except maybe the FBI who are nearly all psychotic, after a number of psychiatric professionals had been killed by their patients people would start seeing a pattern.

[Anonymous]

I think you're right, it's not fair.

[seeyounexttuesday]

Is there any basis in fact?

[DrPepper12]

Huh?

[seeyounexttuesday]

what tripped you up?

[Dongie]

It's STOOPID! 2 Os