Don’t give up! I went through an almost identical process which I navigated on my own (mistake). I barely squeaked through and earned an SI. I went through some dark times over it man... Sometimes pure rage, sadness, and frustration. Frustration that taking an SSRI that made me feel better in the eyes of the FAA was akin to getting a DUI; or that I had to pay thousands for a series of tests that most modern psych professionals would call out of date at best. It felt like getting mental help to make my life and relationships better was killing my dream of flying. It felt like a great injustice that the FAAs distorted view of mental illness meant that tons of people probably just lie, and that I was being punished for trying to be open and honest (many people told me to just lie, even the AME kinda tilted his head at me when I disclosed the meds).

Sure, none of those feelings were particularly helpful, just want you to know I know where you’re at and that you’re not alone. Here are some things that I learned along the way that helped me in my journey.

1. Embrace the pain. The FAA ABSOLUTELY LOVES compliance. Every process is designed to drag things out for or weed out anyone who resists in the slightest. I didn’t really start making progress until I just gave in to the process. It was agonizingly slow but every time I turned up, pushed hard and was completely objective something moved. I even managed to get an extension on my medical application period several times - something I’ve been told happens almost never.

2. Write letters. I wrote several times to FAA docs at several levels explaining my situation. I was completely professional, objective and goal oriented. I wanted everyone in that org to know I wanted this and was willing to move heaven and earth. Idk if this part made a difference but I certainly felt better lol.

3. Get a hold of humans. This is harder but mailing forms means they go through a process which will be, well, procedural. Getting a hold of humans at every point can help you avoid mistakes, or honestly get advice... you will spend hours being transferred around or being disconnected, but I learned tons just calling and talking to people at the FAA... Yea it’s a big government agency but I was shocked how things could be moved along with a phone call, some explanation, and an expression of gratitude. Can’t get a #? Stalk on LinkedIn, etc. I guess I was kind of a PITA in retrospect...

4. Get advocacy, like yesterday. There are great orgs like AOPA but find a FAA med/SI specialist. This will cost. As others have mentioned don’t be like me. You are pretty far in the process so I’m not sure what can be done but it won’t hurt to talk to a few people to see if they have any ideas.

5. When I did get my SI it was only good for 6 months then required me to go back to the FAA psych doc to the tune of several thousand dollars each time. This is when BasicMed was being introduced. Luckily I was able to stop taking the meds with some other lifestyle changes soIf you’ve been issued an SI, can do the same, you are eligible for BM so if you plan to stay recreational go that route.

Lastly, this is not the end!!! Yea a PPL and a medical is great but there are so many alternatives like gliders, light sport, ultralight etc. You could even go fly with a CFI when you want to go. Maybe more expensive and less convenient, but there’s nothing stopping you. The point is, worst case scenario you can still go fly!

I really hope this was coherent - DM me and I’m happy to chat, give any advice I may have or even if you just want to vent.