Mental Health Toll on First Responders Revealed in Survey
The High Cost of Saving Lives
The Governor’s Office has released the findings of a first responder mental health survey, revealing a staggering toll on their well-being. According to the survey, 68% of first responders reported experiencing stress, 59% reported burnout, 52% reported anxiety, and 16% had thoughts of suicide.
The Unique Challenges of First Responders
"First responders see things that most people can’t imagine," said Luci Labriola-Cuff, Deputy New York State Fire administrator for the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. "The average person sees maybe two to three critical incidents in their lifetime. A first responder sees hundreds in their career." This exposure can have a profound impact on their mental health.
The Silent Struggle
Labriola-Cuffe shared some of the concerns first responders have about opening up about 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 had mental health issues. They wouldn’t report it," she explained. "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."
Breaking the Stigma
The state is working to break the stigma surrounding mental health in the first responder community. Governor Hochul has proposed a plan to expand mental health counselors for first responders by creating a counselor scholarship program.
Seeking Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, there is help available. The state’s suicide and crisis lifeline, 988, is available 24/7. You can also tune in to Empire State Weekly this Sunday to hear the full interview with Luci Labriola-Cuffe.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the purpose of the survey?
The survey aimed to assess the mental health of first responders and identify the challenges they face. - What were the key findings of the survey?
The survey found that 68% of first responders reported experiencing stress, 59% reported burnout, 52% reported anxiety, and 16% had thoughts of suicide. - What is the state doing to address the mental health of first responders?
The state is working to break the stigma surrounding mental health in the first responder community and is proposing a plan to expand mental health counselors for first responders by creating a counselor scholarship program.
