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The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has added testing for depression to its medical survey of truck drivers. This follows along with the recent recommendation of the FMCSA Medical Review Board (MRB) that suggests American truck drivers be screened for depression and other mental illnesses as part of the medical qualification physicals. While the FMCSA has yet to act on the Board's recommendations, it is most likely to do so sooner rather than later.

While everyone suffers from some level of occasional depression in their lives, perhaps a loved one dies or a relationship is in trouble, these ‘blue' days are not the topic of this debate. What the ATA and the MRB are referring to is the debilitating type of depression caused by mental illness, such as Bipolar or Depressive Disorder, both of which can radically affect one's job performance and safety.

How do we recognize Bipolar disorder and Major Depression? According to About.com:
"Bipolar disorder causes dramatic mood swings-from overly "high" and/or irritable to sad and hopeless, and then back again, often with periods of normal mood in between. Severe changes in energy and behavior go along with these changes in mood. The periods of highs and lows are called episodes of mania and depression."

"Major depressive disorder is a mood disorder characterized by a depressed mood, a lack of interest in activities normally enjoyed, changes in weight and sleep, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness and guilt, difficulty concentrating and thoughts of death and suicide. If a person experiences the majority of these symptoms for longer than a two-week period, they may be diagnosed with major depressive disorder."

Other types of mental illness can affect one's job and safety, also. Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, for example, is often found in combat veterans or in survivors of wrecks, crime, or abuse. Panic Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, and some Phobias also top the list of some of the most common disorders that society faces today.

As recently as 30-years ago, having a mental illness carried a social stigma and many people would not go for treatment. Since then, however, with the development of new treatment protocols and medications, this stigma has almost disappeared.

Most depressive disorders and stress disorders can be treated with medication and, perhaps, some talk therapy with a counselor. Many counselors will work with patients over the phone after an initial face to face visit, and there are mental health clinics in most medium sized towns as well as hotlines available, also.

The administration of the medication required to treat mental illness is slightly more difficult for drivers. Many have side effects such as drowsiness and can cause stomach upset and a decreased attentiveness. Also, some medications require adjustments as the time taking them decreases, so repeat visits to the doctor are mandatory at specified times. Some side effects are relieved as medicine levels increase in one's body. Because of the above the ATA suggests, as I am sure that the FMCSA will also suggest, that if they make checking for depression part of the physical, then a period of time where the driver is considered unfit to drive until the effects of the medication is known will be required.

Many famous people suffer from mental illness: Van Gogh, Mozart, John F Kennedy, to name a few, along with millions of other ‘plain folk; who, with treatment, go on to lead normal, productive lives. Truck drivers can function quite well with illnesses such as Bipolar Disorder or Major Depressive Disorder, as long as they are receiving treatment.

If you think you might be suffering from on-going depression in your life, or if you have major mood swings, then get a jump on the regulations and talk to your family doctor first. If your doctor agrees that you might have a mental illness then have him/her refer you to a mental health professional to start treatment.

Always remember that there is no shame in mental illness, only shame for not getting treatment for it.
American Counseling Association
800-347-6647
www.counseling.org
National Mental Health Association
800-969-NMHA (6642)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
800-273-TALK (8255)