Taking Mental Health to the Skies
Story Shared for #MyMindOurStory by Nastassja Lewis
Learn more about Nastassja on her mental health website for flight attendants and Instagram.
June 26, 1998 was the first time I had ever stepped foot on American soil from Jamaica, by the way of American Airlines. I never thought for a million years I would be employed by the airline who took me to start a new life.
Fast forward to 2013, that year brought me more pain and terror than any nightmare that had ever scared me awake from the depths of my sleep. My divorce was all very real. My instincts drove me to grab my 4-year-old at the time and run. To anywhere, to nowhere, just somewhere other than the tragedy I lived in every day. I just needed a way out; away from the trauma of the lies, deceit, infidelity, and abuse.
At the time, “away” was a very literal remedy. I applied for every travel-related job I could find. I jumped at the first opportunity from the first airline that caught my attention. No one told me how my lifestyle would change, and boy did it change forever.
I remember not really telling anyone of my application to be a flight attendant. I passed all preliminaries, my divorce was final in 2014, and a training date in tow. I left my then 5-year-old and went to Dallas. I got my employee number and the last 3 digits were 876 which is the area code phone number for Jamaica, my origin, and I knew right then, this was where I was supposed to be.
Becoming a Flight Attendant saved my life. I was an unsure 25-year-old woman, mother, friend, co-worker but I knew I could always escape my reality. Upon graduation, I have traveled and seen so many countries, met so many amazing friends and now almost 6 years later, I am still in love with aviation.
Within those 6 years, this profession has changed me for the better but also made me aware that I had to face the music I ran from. I was my first case subject. My own mental health was on the rocks.
Getting settled into my new career in aviation as a flight attendant, I quickly noticed the downward trajectory of my emotional and mental health. This revelation prompted me to start a Facebook group called @th.air.apy.
I was terrified. I anticipated all sorts of judgement of my mental health issues and my past before I got here. I couldn’t have been more wrong. This opened the door for many other Flight Attendants to open up and share and support.
In October 2019 I got a referral to see a therapist but she was out of network. I waited for re-enrollment and called the therapist. I did not see her until Jan 2020. Going to therapy is the best decision I could have made. I see her 2x a week to talk and speak about my traumas, my weakness, my fears etc. I was diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
I am slowing coming to terms with forgiving the child who was. I journal as my heart compels and take time out after flying all over the country. Being a Flight Attendant is hard on our mental health which means we have to be even more intentional.
I have now taken up the plight to highlight Flight Attendants Mental Health. The general public does not take the time to inquire how we are. They treat us like robots. We are human, we have feelings, and want and demand respect. Yes we have chosen a job that takes us away from our families but a little compassion to your Flight Attendants go a long way. Bringing us goodies, treats, smiles and a simple hello will make any day better. Our mental health is just as vital to the safety and security of the skies. Cheers to #HealthierSkies and welcome aboard.
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