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What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

PTSD of the most emotionally debilitating mental disorders experienced by Pilots. 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a condition in which an individual experiences tremendous stress or anxiety after witnessing or being engaged in a traumatic event. Any physical or psychological trauma that leaves the individual feeling powerless and out of control may lead to PTSD. 
The symptoms or PTSD can be extremely distressing. Because they cause such a great amount of stress on the individual, many pilots with PTSD will be unable to cope and turn to drugs or alcohol as a means of escape. Symptoms of PTSD include nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance of things related to the event, severe anxiety, sleeplessness, aggressive behavior and angry outbursts. 

Stressor

This is a common issue amongst  pilots because of their repetitive long hour flights. Turbulence and unpleasant flying conditions can also be a contributory factor.

Intrusion 

Dissociative reactions, such as flashbacks, where it may feel like the experience is happening again. These may occur on a continuum ranging from brief episodes to complete loss of consciousness.

Avoidance

Persistent Avoidance of distressing trauma-related thoughts or feelings and external reminders, such as people, places, conversations, activities, objects, or situations.

Flashbacks

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can cause nightmares or flashbacks which can typically involve crises that have never been fully resolved in the individual’s psyche.

Coping with PTSD

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How we can help

Pilot Peer Support for you!

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs after a traumatic event and interferes with a person's ability to function. If you are experiencing symptoms of PTSD, our qualified Pilot Peer Support professionals can you help through 
  • Counselling by appointment
  • Coaching recommendations 
  • Referrals to specialists
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How to Develop Coping Skills for PTSD

Steps to help manage Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Be Mindful

    Mindfulness is about being completely in-touch with the present moment in a non-evaluative or non-judgmental way. Mindfulness can help you take a step back from your thoughts, potentially reducing the extent with which they fuel anxiety and fear. Try an easy mindfulness exercise to get started.

  • Use Healthy Distractions

    Distraction can be a useful way of coping with stressful thoughts or feelings that seem overpowering. Distraction may take the form of reading a book, talking to a friend, taking a bath, watching a movie (although make sure the movie does not have any triggering images in it), or exercise. However, it is important to remember that distraction is about getting through a tough moment as opposed to trying to avoid stress.

  • Get Involved

    People with PTSD often feel disconnected or detached from others, even people that they were once close to. Someone with PTSD may have a difficult time opening up or disclosing information about their experience as a result of feeling ashamed or not wanting to burden another person. However, it is clear that people with PTSD do better the more social support they have. Therefore, even though it may be difficult to do, it is important to establish supportive relationships with people you trust and who are willing to be there for you.

  • Learn Relaxation Skills

    Relaxation can be a powerful tool in managing the fear and anxiety that accompanies a PTSD diagnosis. Deep breathing exercises are a very simple way of managing your anxiety in the moment.

  • Monitor Your Symptoms

    The thoughts and feelings associated with PTSD are often so distressing that people often try to avoid them. However, through self-monitoring, you can learn more about what situations trigger your PTSD symptoms, giving you important information on where and when coping methods need to be used.


Get the support you need

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can have a tremendous impact on a Pilot's life, the distressing symptoms of PTSD can negatively affect close relationships, mood, and ability to be effective at work or home. Set an appointment with our Peer pilots to get help with PTSD.
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Related Projects

Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

By Sunny Matharu • November 6, 2018
Understanding post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD is important because it affects many more people than one may ever imagine. Most people tend to think of men and women who have served in the armed forces when they think of this condition. The thing is though any one can end up with this disorder as all it takes is being a part of or witnesses a traumatic experience.

5 Myths About PTSD

By Sunny Matharu • November 6, 2018
Many misconceptions exist about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). These myths get in the way of healing by creating obstacles for people seeking treatment and need to be debunked.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

By Sunny Matharu • November 6, 2018
A Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can happen to any one exposed to a traumatic event that is sufficiently stressful to fill them with horror and dread. Exceptionally horrific events are more likely to precipitate a PTSD. It is estimated that nearly one third of those directly exposed to the violence on September 11 2001 went on to develop a PTSD. Nearly 5% of men and nearly 10% of women develop PTSD in their lifetime. PTSD is the fourth most common mental health problem in Ireland.