The FAA does not presently certify persons who use mood-altering medication. The good news is that the FAA is willing to return virtually all clinically depressed pilots back to flying after successful treatment. If depression seems likely or even if you are just not enjoying your life as you used to, seek out a therapist whom you like and develop a therapeutic alliance. Four ways to strengthen your defenses Avoid booze. Alcohol abuse is probably just an attempt at self-medicating feelings of depression.
Alcohol always makes depression worse.
It is used not so much to feel good as it is to avoid feeling bad. Many depressed people with hangovers jump out of hotel windows on Sunday mornings. All studies positively stress the use of exercise. Exercise releases endorphins-the body's joy juice. The downside of this wonderfully effective treatment is that most depressed people just don't have the energy or motivation to get up and exercise.