This International Men’s Day, the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) wants to raise awareness of the achievements and contributions of men in the aerospace, aviation and space sectors. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the importance of mental health and wellbeing, particularly in industries where workplace pressures often take precedence over personal health. The day focuses on celebrating the positive impact men have on society while addressing challenges such as higher suicide rates, workplace deaths and specific health concerns. By promoting better mental and physical health, removing the stigma around mental health and encouraging men to seek help when needed, the Royal Aeronautical Society aims to promote a positive male identity and support gender equality across the industry.

History

International Men’s Day (IMD), celebrated on November 19, was founded in 1999 by Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh, Lecturer in History at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago. Calls for an IMD date back to the 1960s, when the New York Times reported that many men were advocating for a day similar to International Women’s Day, which has been celebrated since 1909. Over the years, the idea has gained momentum with statements such as ” Men’s contributions and concerns deserve a day of recognition in itself.”

In the 1990s, small events were held in countries such as the US, Europe and Australia, but they lacked the publicity to continue. The Maltese Association for Men’s Rights continued to observe the event in February until 2009, when it moved the celebration to 19 November at the request of the Australian IMD organizers. These organizers helped create the current IMD website and expanded observance globally. Australia played a key role in making 19 November the official date for IMD, with significant celebrations in both state and federal parliaments, notably in 2008 and 2013.

Mental health challenges facing men in aerospace

In aerospace, where safety, precision and accountability are paramount, mental health plays a crucial role in ensuring individual well-being and team safety. Despite increasing awareness of mental health, many men in the aerospace sector face unique challenges in recognizing and addressing their needs. The industry is known for its demanding, high-performance environments where the mental workload can be substantial. Whether you’re a pilot or an aerospace engineer, the pressures of long hours, irregular schedules, high-pressure deadlines, and constant responsibility for safety can contribute to stress, burnout, and mental health challenges. For men, particularly in traditionally male-dominated fields such as aerospace, there is often added pressure to conform to society’s expectations of “toughness” and “resilience.” These stereotypes can discourage men from talking about their struggles or seeking help, making it harder for them to access the mental health support they need.

Why mental health is important in aerospace

Mental health challenges can have serious consequences in high-stakes industries like aerospace. Poor mental health can lead to decreased productivity, poor decision-making and a greater risk of accidents or errors. As we know, the safety of the aircraft, passengers and crew depends on individuals being at their best mentally and emotionally.

This is why addressing mental health should be seen as a key priority for the aerospace industry, as much as any technical or operational concern. Men in the aerospace industry, like all employees, deserve to have access to support services, resources and an environment where their mental well-being is taken seriously.

Breaking the stigma: how the aerospace sector can support men’s mental health

The Royal Aeronautical Society is committed to promoting a supportive and enabling environment for all aerospace professionals. As we celebrate International Men’s Day, it’s critical that we not only recognize the unique challenges men face in our industry, but also take steps to support their mental health and well-being. Here are some practical steps that can help create a healthier and more supportive aerospace community:

1. Create a culture of openness

One of the biggest barriers to mental health support is stigma, particularly the stereotype that men must be stoic and unaffected by stress or emotional challenges. By fostering a workplace culture that encourages open dialogue about mental health, we can break down these barriers. Leaders, colleagues, and peers should feel comfortable discussing their experiences and offering support without fear of judgment.

2. Provide access to mental health resources

Providing employees with access to professional mental health services, whether through employee assistance programs, confidential counseling or online mental health resources, is essential. Ensuring that mental health support is accessible and de-stigmatised encourages people to seek help when they need it.

3. Implement wellness programs

Resources for stress management, mindfulness, and work-life balance should be made available to aerospace professionals. Wellness programs that focus on mental health, physical fitness, and resilience can help individuals manage the unique stresses of the industry. Promoting regular breaks, offering flexible schedules where possible and encouraging physical activity can help improve mental health.

4. Prioritize mental health in training and development

The aerospace industry already invests heavily in technical training, but it is equally important to train individuals to recognize and respond to mental health challenges. By incorporating mental health awareness into professional development, organizations can equip staff with the tools to manage their own wellbeing and support colleagues who may be struggling.

5. Lead by example

Leadership plays a crucial role in shaping workplace culture. Aerospace leaders and senior professionals can set the tone by openly discussing their own mental health, supporting support services and encouraging their teams to prioritize mental well-being. When leaders model vulnerability and self-care, it sends a powerful message that mental health is a priority for everyone.

Pilot RAeS Mental Health Conference

Insights from the pilot RAeS mental health conference (27-28 April 2021)

A recent RAeS conference looked at the issue of pilot mental health, what airlines are doing to implement the new EASA/CAA regulations and how lessons learned could be applied to the wider aerospace community. 2021 conference focused on the mental health and well-being of aviation personnel, particularly pilots. Key points discussed at the conference included:

1. Pilot stress factors

Being a pilot is inherently stressful, with long hours, erratic schedules, and high stakes to ensure safety. Issues such as crew scheduling and fatigue risks contribute significantly to pilot stress. Airlines must balance productivity, staff quality of life and fatigue management, often making it difficult to fully address these challenges.

2. The impact of Covid-19

The Covid-19 pandemic has added new challenges to mental health, from job insecurity to health issues. Pilots faced the stress of fear of infection, job losses and disruption to flight schedules. However, some pilots have reported benefits, such as improved sleep patterns while stranded. The conference noted concerns about “rust” as pilots return to work after a long layoff.

3. Psychological evaluations

The new regulations require psychological evaluations for pilots. Although these assessments are intended to monitor the mental health of pilots, some pilots fear that these assessments can be used against them in a safety context, preventing them from disclosing mental health issues. The importance of creating a supportive and confidential environment was emphasized.

4. Peer support programs

The value of peer support programs for pilots was discussed, highlighting the need for such initiatives to reduce absenteeism and improve mental wellbeing. However, for these programs to be effective, both management and pilots must be convinced of their value and must be carefully designed to avoid potential misuse or stigmatization.

5. Organizational culture

Building a supportive and open organizational culture is essential. Trust between employers and employees is vital to ensure that mental health services are effective. As discussed at the conference, moving from a culture of safety to a wider culture of health and safety that includes mental health is essential.

RAeS Aerospace Medicine Group Annual Symposium 2024

The RAeS Aerospace Medicine Group Annual Symposium took place on 18 November 2024 at the Royal Aeronautical Society’s headquarters in London, bringing together experts to discuss the latest in aerospace medicine. The event covered a number of key topics, including neurology and ophthalmology updates, CAA space regulation and spacesuit physiology, reflecting the increasing demands of space exploration.

A major focus has been placed on aircrew and aeromedical mental health, aligning with ongoing efforts to improve the well-being of aviation professionals. The symposium also featured award presentations for next-generation aerospace medicine students, presenting new insights into industry challenges.

The event provided valuable updates, encouraged collaboration, and reinforced the need for continued advances in medical practices to support the evolving needs of aerospace and space exploration.

The way forward

As we celebrate International Men’s Day, it’s an opportunity for the aerospace sector to recommit to supporting the mental health of all employees, men and women alike. By creating an environment where mental health is taken seriously, where resources are readily available and where help-seeking is seen as a strength, we can ensure that people in our industry are equipped both physically and mentally to excel.

At the Royal Aeronautical Society, we believe that mental health is a critical component of overall professional success. Let’s continue to work together to remove the stigma surrounding mental health, ensure access to the support needed and create an environment where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive.

Want to know more about International Men’s Day and its meaning? Check out this insightful article that dives deeper into men’s mental health challenges:

• International Men’s Day 2024

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Team



November 19, 2024