The social and affective isolation in the work routine of pilots and flight attendants.

The work routine of pilots and flight attendants is marked by a unique combination of experiences, which include both positive aspects and significant challenges.

One aspect of the profession is to offer the opportunity to explore various places around the world. Frequent travels allow pilots and flight attendants to experience new cultures, try different cuisines, and enjoy breathtaking landscapes. This variety of destinations is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the career and contributes to an exciting and enriching professional life.

However, on the other hand, this same travel routine can lead to significant emotional and social challenges.

Being away from family due to long trips and sudden changes in schedules can be extremely difficult. The unpredictability of schedules often prevents crew members from fulfilling social commitments and participating in important events in the lives of their loved ones.

The constant change of crew can be another contributing factor, as it can result in superficial connections with colleagues. Although aviation professionals spend long hours together during flights, the transient nature of these relationships often prevents the development of meaningful bonds. "Living out of a suitcase," sharing temporary housing with other crew members (who are almost always overnighting at another base), means living alone even while living with several people.

These situations can contribute to social isolation and loneliness among pilots and flight attendants. Social isolation refers to reduced or absent social contact with family and friends, while loneliness is a subjective experience characterized by feelings of isolation and disconnection, even when surrounded by others. In other words, it is having less social connection than desired.

Despite their differences, the two terms can still intertwine in a complex cycle. Prolonged social isolation can trigger feelings of loneliness, while constant loneliness can lead to greater social withdrawal, perpetuating the cycle. Therefore, it is not uncommon, even when returning to family and friends, for the crew member to prefer to be isolated, avoiding social interaction.

The psychological, emotional, and physical problems resulting from social isolation should not be underestimated. Psychologically, it can lead to depression, generalized anxiety disorders, panic disorder with or without agoraphobia (intense anxiety in crowded places, or in places difficult to leave, or where help is not readily available), burnout syndrome (professional exhaustion whose main symptoms are: fatigue, constant tiredness, sleep disorders, muscle pain, irritability, mood swings, impaired memory, depression, eating disorders, and apathy). Emotionally, it can result in communication difficulties, lack of social support, and a sense of disconnection from others. Physically, it can manifest as sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal problems, and even weakening of the immune system.

In the face of these challenges, it is essential to implement strategies to minimize the negative impacts of social isolation. Some suggestions include:

1- Prioritize communication: Regular contact with family, friends, and colleagues can help mitigate loneliness and strengthen emotional bonds.

2- Establish rituals and routines: Creating a daily structure can provide a sense of normality and stability, even during periods of isolation.

3- Invest in meaningful relationships: Prioritizing healthy and meaningful interpersonal relationships can help combat emotional and affective isolation.

4- Practice self-care: Dedicate time to activities that promote physical and emotional well-being, such as physical exercise, meditation, and hobbies.

5- Invest in social contact: Religion, philanthropy, groups of specific activities, so that you can expand your sense of belonging.

6- Seek professional support: Do not hesitate to seek guidance from a qualified professional if you are experiencing significant emotional difficulties.

It is also crucial that the aviation industry recognizes and addresses the difficulties faced by its professionals. Promoting policies and programs to support mental and emotional health, as well as implementing measures that encourage the building of healthy interpersonal relationships in the workplace, are essential steps in reducing the impact of social and affective isolation.

The National Union of Aeronauts (SNA) conducted the Biopsychosocial Mapping of the Brazilian Aeronaut (2015), and it was evidenced that the biggest causes of pilots' and flight attendants' absences by INSS (National Institute of Social Security) are, first, orthopedics and second, psychiatry. It is also worth mentioning that insurance companies do not cover, in policies, orthopedic, psychiatric, and otolaryngological problems in crew members' health, precisely what they need the most and where they are most harmed.

Professional life in aviation is fascinating, challenging, and capable of offering a view of the world and life that only those who live it know. Seeing a sunrise or sunset in the cockpit, the illusory sensation of impact when piercing through a layer of cloud, looking to the horizon and seeing sky and sea merge, seeing more than one CB exchanging lightning bolts between them (preferably not on your route), a perfect ramp, a perfect landing, a running landing (for helicopter pilots), etc, etc, etc. So many other experiences that make this profession unique. And having a lifelong dedication to aviation does not necessarily mean illness. After all, not every human being responds in the same way when exposed to the same environmental factors (genetics, life history, personality, lifestyle, also influence our biopsychosocial health). But still, my colleagues in profession and passion... take care, because this routine can demand a price.

Reference

Barroso et al. Solid?o como Variável Preditora na Depress?o em Adultos. Estudos Interdiciplinares em Psicologia, Londrina, V.9, n. 3 supl, p. 26-37, 2018. Disponível em: https://pepsic.bvsalud.org/pdf/eip/v9n3s1/a03.pdf.

Oliveira et al. Sintomas depressivos, ansiedade, estresse e isolamento afetivo em comissários(as) de voo. Portal Metodista de periódicos científicos e acadêmicos, 2022. Disponível em: https://www.metodista.br/revistas/revistas-metodista/index.php/MUD/article/view/1036702

SNA - Mapeamento Biopsicossocial do Aeronauta Brasileiro. Disponível em: https://www.aeronautas.org.br/images/_sna/noticias/Mapeamento_saude_aeronauta_br.pdf

SPX Imagem - Depress?o, Doen?as e mais: Os Riscos do Isolamento Social. 2023. Disponível em: https://spximagem.com.br/os-riscos-do-isolamento-social/

Surgeon General`s Advisory on Our Epidemic or Loneliness and Isolation. Disponível em: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf.