A statewide survey of first responders has shown more than half have high levels of stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression from their jobs, and that they may not seek help because they fear the stigma.

 More than 6,000 people in law enforcement, emergency medical services, fire services, emergency communications, and emergency management completed the anonymous voluntary survey, launched last April, which was followed with five focus-group discussions.

The study found 68 percent of first responders feel stress, 59 percent feel burned out, and 52 percent feel anxiety.

Fifty-three percent suffer from depression while 38 percent have symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Thoughts of suicide were reported by 16 percent of first responders, which is four times higher than the general population in New York state.

More than 90 percent reported that services such as individual therapy, couple and family therapy, and peer support groups would help improve first-responder mental health, if they were free and easily accessible.

However, 80 percent said that stigma is a major barrier to seeking help while 78 percent cited not recognizing the need for help as a barrier, along with 75 percent reporting the lack of mental-health providers who understand the needs of first responders as a barrier. Additionally, 72 percent reported concerns about confidentiality.

The people with the highest ratings for stressors and mental-health impacts were those working in emergency communications.

In response to the survey’s findings, the state is working on wellness initiatives for first responders, according to a release from the governor’s office, which cited proposals Kathy Hochul made in her 2025 State of the State address.

Among them is launching the First Responder Counseling Scholarship Program through the State University of New York.

The initiative would support first responders pursuing counseling degrees and offer micro-credentials in areas like trauma-informed care and peer support leadership.

In return for the scholarship support, recipients would commit to serving as counselors in New York state, “creating a sustainable pipeline of mental health professionals uniquely equipped to support the responder community,” the governor’s office says.

The release went on to note what services are currently available for stressed first responders.

People contemplating suicide or in any other mental-health crisis may call, text, or chat with the state’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline; 988 is free, confidential, and is available 24/7.

More information on the hotline is available on the website for the Office of Mental Health, which manages the program.

Additionally, the office’s Suicide Prevention Center hosts an initiative called CARES UP that focuses on improving the mental health and wellness of law enforcement, firefighters, emergency services personnel and veterans.  

The state’s Disaster Mental Health Response, which comprises state and local teams of licensed professionals and volunteers, is trained to provide crisis counseling and other mental health services to individuals and responders impacted by disasters and other crisis situations.