Federal Workers in Crisis: The Mental Health Toll of Job Insecurity
I maxed my credit cards out. I wake at 3 AM panic-stricken. I won t know how I’ll pay for my son s insulin next month if presented with the bill Sarah T., furloughed EPA employee
“Across the U.S., hundreds of thousands of federal workers are facing a silent mental health emergency.Government shutdowns, budget cuts, and hiring freezes have left torched earth among long-time employees. The psychological damage runs deep. "--
The Hidden Crisis: Anxiety, Depression, and Desperation
Recent studies report that:
— 78% of federal workers suffer severe stress during funding gaps ( Federal Employee Health Survey )
— One out every three has sought mental health care since their last paycheck delay ( APA Report )
Suicide hotline calls soar 200% during prolonged.
" shutdowns ( Crisis Text Line Data )
Why this hits harder than corporate layoffs:
Most federal jobs require security clearances—no work equals no income; it’s like your craft for decades was utterly taken away from you. No state unemployment benefits ( for example, TSA and prison guards are not eligible in most cases ) These people have to work other jobs; and more often than not they’re in the service industry at let-yourself-die rates--"--
Voices from the Brink
"I Sold Plasma to Pay Rent" Mark R., TSA officer ( furloughed 35 days )
"After Week 2 itself I started driving Uber overnight. My boss committed suicide in 2019—and we all knew why he did.
" My Therapist Dropped Me Because I Couldn’t Pay Leah W., USDA researcher
"You're told 'There will be backpay,' but I have deal with my landlord; now I'm waiting lines even for sliding-scale clinics." "--
The Ripple Effects
The damage extends beyond individuals:
Public safety risks: Burned-out air traffic controllers make mistakes ( FedSmith )
** Brain Drain : Top talent flees to private sector ( Federal Employee Health Survey )
** Economic Shocks : $11B lost per shutdown ( S&P Global ) "--
Is Anyone Fixing This?
But there aren't many widespread solutions to it in our political process-- partial as they may be now stalling before proceeding.During the fight between the prez and Congress over Emergency Health Assistance, meanwhile so many of us pawned our wedding rings." "--
How to Help (Even If You re Not Federal)
Donate to Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund
Call reps, tell them "Hey-we're looking forward here toward these partial pay-means." Tell them about stopgaps Separated from your old friends in gov work: they can die out there" "--
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