New York first responder stress and depression outpace average: report
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — A new report on the mental health needs of first responders showed that they face high stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression. Many of the more than 6,000 who took part in surveys and focus groups said that they didn't want to seek help, fearing stigma.
Gov. Kathy Hochul unveiled the report, “New York State First Responder Mental Health Needs Assessment” on February 5. You can read the report—the first assessment of its kind, representing a joint effort by New York's Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services and SUNY New Paltz—at the bottom of this story. Officials plan to present the assessment and its findings at the annual New York State Emergency Management Association Conference in Syracuse on February 12.
First responders in law enforcement, fire, medical service, communication, and management all took part in the voluntary, anonymous process. These workers face many challenges:
- 68% experience stress
- 59% felt burnout
- 53% reported symptoms of depression
- 52% suffered from anxiety
- 38% showed had signs of post-traumatic stress disorder
- 16% reported suicidal thoughts
For some perspective, that rate of suicidal ideation is four times higher than that of New York's general population. If you or someone you know need help, please call, text, or chat with the 988 suicide hotline, open 24 hours a day.
Four out of five—80%—reported that a pervasive mental health stigma represented the biggest factor preventing first responders from seeking mental health care. Many admitted to being afraid of losing job security or benefits if they were to seek treatment:
- Other responders would think they were unreliable (78%)
- Negative career impact (74%)
- Leadership would treat them differently (74%)
- Fear of losing pistol license (68%)
Among the first responders polled, other concerns included:
- 80% said work hurt their home life
- 79% said work strained their physical health
- 72% said work caused trouble in their family
Emergency communications personnel like dispatchers stood out for some of the consistently highest levels of stress and isolation. They work long shifts, field urgent calls, and rarely find out what happens to the people involved in the emergencies they work on.
But across the board, career responders fared worse than volunteers. Those new to the job or close to retirement also reported less pressure than mid-career responders.
First responders involved in the study pushed for more training, free therapy, and access to couples or family counseling or peer support groups. Others said they want the state to implement rules that would ease long hours and make medical care less expensive.
Take a look at the report below: