Large burden on the pilot profession
A prevention and early intervention programme for commercial airline pilots, with fast and discreet treatment in Mallorca
After the tragic Germanwing crash due to a mental disorder of the co-pilot, many commercial pilots are afraid to disclose their own possible mental health issues or psychosocial crisis situations, because they fear the loss of their pilot’s licence. The disturbing conclusion: depression remains untreated.
Psychiatric disorders and/or depression are found in pilots just as often as they can be found in the general population. However, for pilots, such a disease may lead to the loss of theirprofessional licence and constitute, therefore, athreat to their livelihoods. This makespilots and crew members become secretive about their psychological problems, allowing it to become ataboo within the profession,adding a supplementary burden to a profession that alreadybears great responsibility and an extremely stressful workload.
Usually, depressive disorders are treated with serotonin reuptake inhibitors, however, this is not a solution for pilots, because these inhibitors may make them unfit to fly. Also, due to the shifting nature of their work, pilots are often unable to seek regular psychotherapy. This means that risks are detected and treated too late or not at all.
We offer pilots, as part of a prevention and early intervention programme, an intensive two-week training programme, where beginning or already existing conditions, such as depression, anxiety disorders, sleep disorders and cardiovascular diseases, etc. are effectively treated without medication. In addition, the programme improves work performance and stress resistance.
- Psychotherapy and Coaching
Potential conflicts and problems are analysed and resources are activated in daily conversations (1 to 2 hours). Here, both cognitive-behaviouraltherapeutic concepts, as well as systemic and psychodynamic concepts are used. When former traumatic events are identified, EMDR may be additionally applied.
Biofeedback therapy makes the physiological signals (brain waves, ECG, etc.) visible so they can be directly affected by the patient. This makes it possible to target changes in certain brain areas and the autonomic nervous system. The processes are also used in competitive sports and have proven to be effective both for cardiovascular disorders as well as for depression, insomnia, addictions and anxiety.
A sports coach leads an individual training programme for each participant. The effectiveness of sport on depression and anxiety has already been widely proved.
This concentration and relaxation technique was considered, in recent years, to be particularly effectivein strengthening resistance to stress.
This intervention is available either at the hotel or at our outpatient clinic in Palma. Absolute anonymity is assured. Trainers and therapists are experienced specialists, clinical psychologists and sports scientists.
In the relaxed and Mediterranean atmosphere of Mallorca, you can quickly regain your positive approach to life. The additional use of sport therapy, relaxation techniques and adventure programmes complete the programme and enhances the holiday character of your stay.
You can also use our personal questionnaire for a confidential health check with individually targeted recommendedtherapy.