The current COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic has worried us in many ways - in the form of concern for human life, disruptions to daily life and routine, significant employment impacts, and affecting our financial security. Work in the aviation industry is quite unique and therefore, those who work in this area are likely to experience some exclusive challenges. There’s a lot of identity and purpose tied into the aviation profession. Therefore, those who are off work may be struggling to find a sense of achievement on a day to day basis.
People are likely to feel lost, uncertain and might be wondering what their role is in their families their communities and society right now. Additionally, there are different challenges for pilots that are still flying will face around uncertainty that need to be considered and adapted to. Chances are that other people that work in the aviation industry will understand these unique experiences but being off work could reduce time with these people. Many will feel a loss of support networks or a change of support networks as a result of not working and people’s relationships with their spouses, children and other family and friends may have new pressures.
It is important to remember that different people will respond in different ways. Keeping this in mind will help to leverage compassion in times when someone might respond differently to you. While people might not be able to change the circumstance, there are things they can do to ensure they’re looking after themselves:
- Mobilise support of family, friends and colleagues and talk with people whom you feel comfortable around that are empathetic listeners
- Maintain a regular routine and structure. While you may not feel like it, make sure you are engaging in self-care and continuing to participate in enjoyable activities.
- Nourish your body with a healthy and balanced diet and avoid stimulants, drugs and alcohol
- Stay active by stretching, walking and exercising - where possible, do these in nature for added benefit
- Managing your media and social media consumption by allocating times in the day when you have access to these sources.
- Engage in the present moment by practicing mindfulness. There’s a wealth of free apps out there such as headspace and calm.
People likely feel helpless or hopeless about their ability to support others. There are some simple ways to help people during this difficult time including:
- Reach out and ask the person how they are coping. Acknowledge their loss and let them know that they can discuss it with you if they feel comfortable
- Listen to the person by providing them airspace to talk, validate what they are saying and feeling and the impact that the situation has had on them
- Understand that everyone reacts differently, people will respond in different ways, have different ways of coping and may take different times to adapt.
- Ask the person how you can help them get through it and be respectful of how they choose to deal with the situation
- Follow up with the person regularly to see how they are doing. Let them know that you are there whenever they need.
Family Relationships
Spousal and family relationships will likely be impacted by this change and require adjustment through communication and setting clear boundaries. Recognise that you might see the crisis differently to others and practice empathy in understanding how someone else is seeing things, whilst also communicating your own needs. If possible, negotiate with your spouse around sharing family responsibilities and having some alone time.
Children & Adolescents
Children and young adolescents can and will likely pick up on the anxieties of others and it’s important that they feel comfortable speaking about their concerns. Parents are encouraged to answer questions in a calm manner and to normalise that it’s ok to feel worried at this time. Reinforce what children can do to stay safe and aim to provide regular contact with people that children and adolescents may be worried about.
What support is available?
It’s important that people remember that a reaction to upsetting events are normal. That being said, there’s no need to go through it alone. There is an array of options available to members of the AFAP:
AFAP Member Assistance Program
A free and confidential counselling service providing up to four sessions per issue for members and their direct family members. Contact 1300 307 912 to arrange a session.
HIMS Australia
The AFAP is an active supporter of HIMS Australia. HIMS is a program to help 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.
Here 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 Rep Captain Phil Remilton at philipremilton@bigpond.com or 0427 714 428.
AFAP Welfare Representative Network
Sometimes the best first point of contact for a pilot with welfare concerns is another pilot. The AFAP has established an active Welfare Representative Network consisting of pilots from each of our councils.
These Pilot Welfare Representatives 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. A full list of current AFAP Welfare Representatives is available here.
Other Support
For those wishing to engage support outside of AFAP support, private counselling can also be accessed with cost subsidies under Medicare or Private Health Cover. This service can be accessed through a referral from a General Practitioner, or by speaking with your Private Health provider. If you have any questions about any of the AFAP’s welfare services, visit www.afap.org.au or contact welfare@afap.org.au.