This World Mental Health Day, we at the British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) want to shine a light on an important message: no one is immune to mental health issues.

Whether you’re a new pilot navigating the stresses of a fast-paced career or a seasoned captain with years of flying under your belt, mental health challenges can affect anyone. And acknowledging that is the first step in ensuring a safer, healthier aviation community.

Mental Health: A Universal Challenge

For too long, mental health has been shrouded in stigma, especially within high-stakes professions like aviation. There is a lingering misconception that pilots, often seen as the embodiment of calm, precision, and control, are somehow invulnerable to mental health struggles. But the reality is that mental health issues can affect anyone and there are some specific realities of life as a pilot that can add to underlying problems. The pressures of maintaining a licence and medical certification, achieving high safety standards, the irregular hours, long periods away from loved ones, and the weight of responsibility can all contribute to mental health issues—stress, anxiety, depression, or burnout—just as they do in any other profession.

By acknowledging that anyone can suffer from mental health issues, we not only create a safer working environment but also encourage an industry-wide culture that values openness, support, and proactive care.

BALPA’s Commitment to Mental Health

BALPA is deeply committed to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health in aviation and we are pleased to see that progress is being made. We believe that mental health should be treated with the same seriousness as physical health and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. To support this, we have implemented a range of resources and services designed specifically for pilots, including our flagship Pilot Advice and Support (PAS) service.

Pilot Advice and Support (PAS) (formerly the Pilot Advisory Group)

The PAS service is a vital part of our commitment to pilot welfare. Available to all BALPA members, PAS provides a confidential, independent and professional support system for those facing personal, professional, or mental health challenges. This service offers:

• Confidential advice: PAS is a safe space where pilots can seek guidance on a range of issues, from stress management to dealing with traumatic events. The service is completely private, ensuring that pilots can access help without fear of judgment or professional repercussions.
• 24/7 access: Mental health issues don’t always stick to a schedule. With PAS, help is available around the clock, whenever a pilot needs it.
• Tailored support: Whether the issue is related to mental health, financial stress, or legal concerns, PAS connects pilots with professionals who are well-versed in the unique challenges of the aviation world.

The Importance of Peer Support

In addition to its own PAS service , BALPA strongly advocates for wider peer support as a key component of mental health care for pilots. Sometimes, the best support comes from those who truly understand the unique pressures of the job. That’s why BALPA promotes peer support programmes, which are now required by legislation for airlines, where pilots can talk openly with trained colleagues who have been through similar experiences.

Peer support works because it breaks down feelings of isolation and provides a space where pilots can speak freely without fear of professional or personal repercussions. These peer supporters are not just trained to listen but also to guide their colleagues toward appropriate resources, whether it’s professional counselling or further assistance from other professional organisations.

BALPA has been instrumental in helping to establish these support networks across aviation. Some articles about this ongoing work are available below:

“CLEARING THE AIR”

“Elevating mental health matters”

Breaking the Silence: A Call to Action

This World Mental Health Day, BALPA encourages all pilots to take a moment to reflect on their own well-being and that of their colleagues. The first step in breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health is to talk about it openly. We need to foster a culture where pilots feel empowered to reach out for support without fear of being seen as unfit for duty. After all, taking care of your mental health is just as crucial as maintaining your physical fitness.

How You Can Help

• Reach out: If you’re struggling, don’t wait. Whether you turn to a peer, a friend, or our PAS service, reaching out is the first step toward feeling better.
• Support your colleagues: If you notice a fellow pilot may be struggling, offer your support. Sometimes, all it takes is a simple conversation to make a difference.
• Promote a culture of openness: Speak openly about mental health and encourage others to do the same. The more we talk about it, the more we can reduce the stigma and create a supportive community for everyone.

At BALPA, we believe that no pilot should ever feel alone in their mental health journey. By fostering a culture of support and understanding, we can ensure that mental health is prioritized not only on World Mental Health Day…. but every single day and that stigma becomes a thing of the past.

Remember: No one is immune, but help is always available. Let’s make this World Mental Health Day a reminder that mental health matters for everyone—especially those responsible for keeping us safe in the sky.