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Hello! I'm a former Navy pilot who left active duty about 9 years ago, but I'd like to fly for the Air Force Reserves. 8 years ago I was (wrongly) prescribed antidepressants for less than 5 months and am now wondering if I will be disqualified. I have this letter (below) from my physician that states I did not have a mental disorder. Any thoughts on whether or not I'm screwed? No recurring symptoms or medical conditions. Many thanks!!! GoGoJuice "To Whom it May Concern: Approximately eight years ago, patient was prescribed an antidepressant (Effexor) for less than five months. At the time he was suffering from mild depression and anxiety, and was having trouble sleeping due to frequent nocturia. Several months after starting the Effexor, patient had a surgical procedure to remove a small benign bladder lesion, after which his nocturia and night awakening stopped. Once patient was no longer waking up frequently due to his bladder issue, his mood and anxiety improved and he no longer required the Effexor. It is our belief that his mild depression and anxiety were related to frequent awakening and not due to a mental disorder. Sincerely, DR X"

The recent Germanwings crash has stirred a lot of discussion on several topics: 1. Importance of having more than one person in cockpit at all times 2. Reporting mechanisms for mental and medical health from all sources of medical care 3. How to address depression and mental health disorders in pilots I have read quite a few blogs and editorials suggesting there is no room for depression or mental health issues in anyone allowed in a cockpit. My personal opinion is that this is the wrong direction to go. There needs to be a way for pilots who are depressed to get back in the cockpit, a pragmatic rational approach is preferred to a 'zero tolerance' one. See recent blog post: https://goflightmedicine.com/germanwings-depression/ What are your thoughts? Should depressed pilots be allowed to fly or get back in the cockpit under certain conditions?