Throwaway account because this is deeply personal.
I, 29f have already spent money on flight lessons before realizing my medical history could become such a huge obstacle. I know I probably should’ve researched more beforehand, but flying has been one of the biggest dreams and challenges of my life. For once, I wanted to become “someone,” and aviation gave me that feeling of purpose. I don’t want my past to completely destroy my future.
In 2023, I voluntarily checked myself into a mental hospital for suicidal ideation. It was the first and only time in my life. At that point, my marriage was falling apart, I had lost a close friend, my family lives in another country, and I felt completely alone without support. I spiraled and started romanticizing the idea of dying.
The moment I walked into that hospital, though, I realized I didn’t actually want to die . I needed help and I needed to grow up emotionally. I sought help immediately, which is why I self admitted in the first place. Ironically, my psychiatrist at the time told me I was signing paperwork for an outpatient program, when she knew it would actually be inpatient.
Honestly, the hospital experience itself felt more grounding than life changing mentally, but ever since then I’ve been stable. No repeat incidents, no hospitalizations, no suicidal thoughts. I’ve been functioning normally and trying to build my life back up.
Now I’m terrified that one chapter of my life means aviation is over forever. I keep hearing about a “10-year rule” for mental health history with the FAA and I don’t know how true that is. Is there actually any hope of obtaining a First Class Medical someday? Or even a Third Class so I can at least finish my training and earn my PPL and ratings?
I’m not trying to make aviation a casual hobby. I genuinely wanted this as a career because I also help support family outside the U.S. and wanted a future I could be proud of.
I’d really appreciate honest experiences from people who’ve gone through the FAA medical process after mental health treatment. Please be kind.