Whilst the past three years have been a difficult time for everybody, the aviation industry has come across its own set of unique challenges. Grounded planes, disrupted flights, mass redundancies, staff shortages, changes in roles or locations ... Pilots have dealt with more than their fair share of change and disruption.
Now that travel is starting to get back to a new kind of ‘normal’, coming to terms with and adjusting to this new way may leave you feeling exhausted, anxious, angry and flat. Whilst a lot of this is out of your control, we can use some of what science tells us about change and uncertainty to adapt as best as we can.
Allow time to grieve
Grieving is a process of acknowledging loss. You may need time to grieve from the things or opportunities you have lost because of the pandemic or for what used to be. We need to give ourselves space and time to cope with what might have been. This can allow new space to envision what could be or what will be.
- Acknowledge that mixed emotions and feelings are valid. Don’t push them away or discount them. You can acknowledge them and make space for this by journaling, taking a break, or talking about your emotions.
- Acknowledge that everyone will grieve or process things differently. Comparing yourself to others is not helpful.
- Forgive others for their reactions. We are all just trying to survive and do the best we can in this time.
Set boundaries for yourself
Post-pandemic it is completely normal to feel overwhelmed as you begin to find your footing in this new time. Setting boundaries for yourself can ensure you can do this whilst not overwhelming yourself.
- Set realistic expectations. Expect some awkwardness, frustration and annoyance. Don’t expect to glide right back into it.
- Ease into it. Recognise that you might need to gradually step back into a routine.
- Learn to say ‘no’. Whether it’s saying no to co-workers or social situations, recognise when your week is already too full and be okay with saying no.
Keep up self-care
Now that our calendars are filling, ensure that you maintain those self-care and wellbeing strategies.
- Create a new routine. Integrate those self-care activities in your normal day-to-day. Whilst during the pandemic we might have been able to engage in these whenever we wanted, now we will need to consciously prioritise and make time for them.
- List priorities and don’t loose track of them. Whether it’s spending time with family, or exercising regularly, make sure you keep these front and centre when you plan your week
Regaining that confidence
It is completely normal to feel ‘rusty’ or lack confidence as things are getting back to normal. You might make more mistakes than you are used to and what used to come naturally might require more concentration.
- Acknowledge that there will be an element of rustiness. Be mindful of this and don’t get tempted by shortcuts.
- Familiarise yourself with any new changes
- Embrace refreshers or training. There is no shame in needing a refresher or training. Those skills have been at rest for months and are less available to you in your memory. This is a normal human performance limitation
- Recognise you need time. Recognise that when you first started you didn’t just pick everything up from the get go, you also had to develop those skills ... and you did! This time around it will take a lot less time
- List your strengths as a pilot. What characteristics got you to this point? What do others appreciate you for? Recognise you have individual strengths that got you here and harness these to get you through the day.
Find your motivation
- Look to the future. What are you looking forward to in your future? What would you like to work on? What skills would you like to improve? Shift your thinking to growth and to the possibilities.
- Recognise the elements that are in your control and out of your control. We often put a lot of energy and resources into what is outside our control (e.g. other peoples’ behaviours, reactions and what they say; how others perceive us; the past; what happens in the future) which takes away focus from what we can control.
- Focus on small consistent steps and small wins. We often overwhelm ourselves by looking to far into the future. Create some small goals for yourself and recognise small wins. These small goals can build up that momentum to help us feel more motivated and excited about the future.
- Make room for moments of positivity. Cultivate positive emotions by reflecting on what made you smile during the day or taking time to acknowledge a great moment.
- Take time to acknowledge your strength and reward yourself. Reflect on the strength that got you through tough times. Take a moment to acknowledge this and any steps forward you may take.
Finally, remember that there is a range of support options available for AFAP members to access:
AFAP Member Assistance Program
A free, confidential counselling service providing up to four sessions per issue for members and their direct family. Contact 1300 307 912 to arrange a session.
HIMS Australia
The AFAP actively supports HIMS Australia, a program for anyone in the aviation community whose use of alcohol or other drugs is of concern. A cornerstone of HIMS is the understanding that substance dependence is a treatable medical condition. HIMS is modelled on well-established overseas programs (in countries including New Zealand and the USA) which has assisted thousands of pilots in returning to work.
In Australia it is an industry-wide effort in which employers, unions and CASA will work together to preserve careers and further flight safety. For more information go to www.aushims.org.au or contact AFAP HIMS Representative Captain Philip Remilton at philipremilton@afap.org.au or on 0427 714 428.
AFAP Pilot Welfare Representatives
Sometimes the best first point of contact for a pilot with welfare concerns is another pilot. The AFAP has established an active Pilot Welfare Representative Network consisting of pilots from each of our councils. These pilots are a helpful resource and can help direct you toward professional welfare assistance - such as the Member Assistance Program and HIMS – if and when you need it. (Visit www.afap.org.au for a list of Welfare reps.)