I'm going to start by saying that this is not a part of my past that I'm particulary proud of or enjoy admitting so I'd ask that any comments be kept to yourselves. Anyway, unfortunately it is a fact that back in the spring of '06, due to some life circumstances at the time, I took an anti-depressant for a VERY short period of time. I did the right thing and reported it to the FAA and, in turn, watched my job go away for awhile. I wasn't thinking too clearly and was up for the meds at the time. I knew that it would mean a hault to flying for awhile, but with the way I was feeling, I was fine with that. I was only on the medication for about a week and a half (not even long enough for the meds to really even kick in) before I pulled my head out of my ass and decided to deal with the issues on my own, without the aid of a happy pill (that and I was having some..uh...unfavorable side-effects. Some may know what I may be refering to haha).
Anyway, in July of '06 I got the go-ahead from the FAA to start flying again and all has been well since then. In preperation to dropping my app to eagle (which I plan on doing this week or early next week) I went to get my medical updated the other day. My AME and I BS's about the situation last spring and I thanked him again for all his help and incite on the matter. Knowing that American has pretty tight physicals he offered up his advice on how to handle the situation if it were to ever come up in the interviews medical portion.
I guess my question is this. I realize that Eagle no longer does the "astronaut" physicals; but, are any questions ever asked regarding use of anti-depressants? To the best of my knowledge I was never officially diagnosed with depression.
I just don't want this to be a disqualifying factor if asked. I would really really like to get on with them and would kick myself in the ass if I'm denied because I chose to take the medication in the past rather than deal with things on my own.
Thanks for your input. I don't think (or at least hope) this would ever be an issue or cause me to be denied employment. I just don't want any surprises.
Anyway, in July of '06 I got the go-ahead from the FAA to start flying again and all has been well since then. In preperation to dropping my app to eagle (which I plan on doing this week or early next week) I went to get my medical updated the other day. My AME and I BS's about the situation last spring and I thanked him again for all his help and incite on the matter. Knowing that American has pretty tight physicals he offered up his advice on how to handle the situation if it were to ever come up in the interviews medical portion.
I guess my question is this. I realize that Eagle no longer does the "astronaut" physicals; but, are any questions ever asked regarding use of anti-depressants? To the best of my knowledge I was never officially diagnosed with depression.
I just don't want this to be a disqualifying factor if asked. I would really really like to get on with them and would kick myself in the ass if I'm denied because I chose to take the medication in the past rather than deal with things on my own.
Thanks for your input. I don't think (or at least hope) this would ever be an issue or cause me to be denied employment. I just don't want any surprises.
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