ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)— 6,000 first responders took part in a mental health needs assessment survey conducted by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.
“Overall, folks are suffering from anxiety, folks are suffering from depression,” explained Commissioner Jackie Bray. “38% were suffering from symptoms of PTSD.”
Commissioner Bray said it’s understandable considering the high amount of stress and trauma first responders see on a regular basis.
“For me, the most upsetting thing we found was that 16% of our first responders have thought about suicide. That’s compared to about 4% of the general population in New York State. That feels staggering to me,” said Bray.
Respondents noted there’s a sigma around getting help.
Dr. Andrew Barry, a psychologist and psychoanalyst, said asking for help is often one of the hardest things a person can do
“They’re afraid of judgement, they are afraid of being given bad assignments at work, not getting assignments, being ostracized, and effectively being pushed out of that community with which they have served so long and feel so close and so safe with,” explained Berry.