Publications
Reini Thijssen is a writer for Aero Crew News and writes articles about mental health, focusing on resources for pilots and aviation professionals.
These articles cover a wide variety of topics, including burnout, pilot mental health, life transitions, sexuality, stress management, and more.
How to Deal With Rejection when it Feels Personal
Rejection is something everyone experiences at some point in life. A message that is left unanswered, a job application that is not successful, or feeling excluded from a group can all be surprisingly painful experiences — not because something is wrong with you, but because the brain treats…
The Reality of Change and Why It Is Hard
We are over halfway through the year now, and for many of us, the ambitious New Year’s resolutions from January are long gone. It is no longer “the new year,” the momentum has faded, and many of the resolutions we set back in December for the year may not have unfolded in..
Understanding and Managing ADHD Beyond Medication: Part 2
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often discussed in terms of challenges. However, living well with ADHD is very possible with the right approach and support. Through intentional structure and routines, healthy lifestyle habits, and evidence-based supports such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), you can learn to manage symptoms more effectively. While the process requires..
The Warning Signs of Sports Betting and Its Impact on Flight Safety
Sports gambling is often marketed as a fun, harmless way to enhance the excitement of watching a game. Advertisements and promotions portray it as a thrilling pastime, but underneath lies a deeper issue: Sports gambling taps into the brain’s reward..
Five Strategies to Boost Work Happiness in 2025
With the new year, many people reassess their goals and seek ways to improve their lives. Finding joy at work can sometimes feel challenging, especially in demanding roles. However, this is an ideal time to take charge of your work satisfaction and implement positive changes. Effective strategies include focusing on what you can control, being open about..
Navigating Control and Influence in Daily Life
Day-to-day challenges can weigh heavily on your mind, impacting every area of your life. For example, as a pilot, you face responsibilities from managing complex flight systems, responding to unexpected emergencies, and navigating high-pressure checkrides. These tasks present potential stressors that require your full attention and expertise.
Handling Criticism
No one likes it, yet everyone has to deal with it from time to time – criticism. Criticizing others is easier than being on the receiving end. Research has showed that criticism triggers our stress system and our ancient survival mechanism of…
Twelve Phases of Burnout
Every year, reported numbers of stress and burnout rise. Because airline jobs rank among the most stressful jobs in the United States, there is value for us to recognize the signs. Stress, in itself, can be helpful – it sets one in motion, makes one smarter, more alert, faster, and it can help improve performance. However, too much and continuous stress is unhealthy and can lead to…
How To Be Happier At Work
Despite having the best view of the world from your “office window,” varied travel destinations year-round, and the ability to conquer the elements on a daily basis, you (and almost 50 percent of U.S. employees) may not feel satisfied with your job.1 Although “being satisfied” is not the same as “being happy”..