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To comprehend Joe's actions, we must rewind to the roots of his distress. Joe had always dreamed of becoming an airline pilot, overcoming adversity and stigma surrounding mental health as he navigated his career. However, a profound loss in 2018 triggered a gradual descent into clinical depression—an illness often accompanied by a fraught relationship with mental health resources due to the stringent regulations governing pilots.
Despite his therapist’s recommendations for medical intervention, Joe was deterred by the looming threat of losing his medical certificate and subsequently, his career. Instead of seeking help, he resorted to alcohol on his days off, convinced that his deteriorating mental health must be managed privately.