Survey reveals mental health toll on first responders
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)---The Governor’s Office recently released the findings of a first responder mental health survey that was conducted.
https://www.news10.com/news/new-york-first-responder-stress-and-depression-outpace-average-report/
"The average person sees maybe two to three critical incidents in their lifetime. A first responder sees hundreds in their career," said Luci Luci Labriola-Cuff, Deputy New York State Fire administrator for the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.
According to Labriola-Cuffe, this can take a toll on their mental health.
Of the 6,000 first responders who participated in the survey, 68% said they experienced stress, 59% said they experienced burnout, 52% reported anxiety, and 16% had thoughts of suicide.
"More than 50% were feeling problems at home, that their family doesn’t understand the profession, that they are often pulled away or forced to work overtime shifts due to mandated overtime. Things like that."
She shared some of the worries first responders have when it comes to sharing their mental health struggles.
"On the law enforcement side--- they were worried about losing their pistol permits or losing the rights to their gun if they have mental health issues, they wouldn’t report it," explained Labriola-Cuffe. "There are issues with people worrying they weren’t adequate enough to do their job. That they were weak, that their colleagues would look down upon them, or their leadership would look down upon them and they wouldn’t be able to do their job. None of that’s true. And actually, seeking mental health and knowing that you’re struggling, is a sign of strength."
The state hopes to put and end to mental health stigma. Among the efforts is a proposal by the Governor Hochul to expand mental health counselors for first responders by creating a counselor scholarship program.
Anyone in need of mental health support can call or text 988, the state’s suicide and crisis lifeline.
To watch the full interview, you can tune into Empire State Weekly this Sunday.