Dealing With Depression and Anxiety as a First Responder

Whether EMS, fire or law enforcement, being a first responder means stepping into high-stakes, unpredictable situations every day. The demanding nature of your work carries an emotional cost.

Studies show that first responders face higher rates of depression, anxiety, and burnout compared to the general population. In fact, an anonymous statewide survey of more than 6k first responders in NY revealed that 68% feel stressed, 59% feel burned out, and 52% experience anxiety.

These numbers highlight the importance of mental health in public safety. Left unaddressed, depression and anxiety can impact performance, relationships and career sustainability. Agencies must take a multifaceted approach – raising awareness, ensuring access to confidential support services, and fostering a culture that prioritizes well-being.

Keep reading to learn how your agency can play a proactive role in supporting first responders and protecting those who protect us.

Background on the Issue

The mental wellness challenge in public safety is significant and growing. Research consistently shows that first responders face higher rates of depression and anxiety than the general population.

A 2018 study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) found that roughly 30% of first responders suffer from depression, compared to 20% of the public. More recent data suggests the problem is worsening.

A 2022 study conducted during the pandemic revealed that 67% of first responders reported mild depression, 4% moderate, and 16% severe. Anxiety was also widespread, affecting 32% of first responders – with breakdowns of 60% mild, 26% moderate, and 14% severe.

Certain roles face greater risk than others. Paramedics reported the highest depression rates at 37%, followed by EMS personnel at 28% and police at 22%. A systematic review by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality also documented anxiety (15%), depression (15%), PTSD (11%), and psychological distress (27%) among first responders.

While many of these statistics have worsened in 2025, even earlier studies highlight the elevated risk these professionals face. Recognizing the signs (and understanding the daily impact) is an important step toward protecting your team’s mental health and long-term wellness.

Impact of Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety take a heavy toll on both personal health and job performance. Physically, these conditions can disrupt sleep patterns, increase fatigue and contribute to long-term cardiovascular problems. Mentally, they can lead to PTSD or substance abuse when untreated, creating compounding risks that are harder to manage over time. Emotionally, first responders may feel detached, irritable or overwhelmed, which strains both their resilience and their relationships.

On the job, these challenges can directly impact performance. Depression and anxiety are linked to higher absenteeism, slower decision-making under stress and more errors in critical moments. In emergency response, these risks can have serious consequences.

The effects extend beyond the workplace. Relationships with family, friends and colleagues often suffer as well, leaving first responders feeling isolated. Most concerning, surveys have shown that 16% of responders struggle with suicidal thoughts – a rate that is four times higher than the general population of NY state.

With the nation facing a public health crisis in law enforcement (and other first responder roles), promoting wellness and reducing stigma around mental health has never been more important.

Barrier to Entry Around Mental Health Resources

Despite growing awareness, many first responders still face barriers to mental health resources. Stigma remains the biggest hurdle.

In the survey of 6,000+ New York first responders, 80% cited stigma as a major barrier to seeking help. Concerns about being judged, negative career consequences or lack of confidentiality often prevent individuals from reaching out – even when they know they need support.

Another barrier is recognition itself. According to the same survey, 78% of first responders struggle to recognize when help is needed. Stress and trauma are often seen as “part of the job,” leading many to normalize or suppress symptoms rather than treat them.

Finally, access to quality care can be a challenge. 75% of first responders reported a scarcity of mental health providers who understand their unique challenges, making them hesitant to seek treatment. Combined, these barriers create a cycle where problems are unaddressed, increasing long-term risks for individuals and their agencies.

How Can You Help?

Both individuals and agencies have a role to play in mental health. On the individual level, self-awareness is key. Recognizing early symptoms of depression, anxiety or PTSD allows responders to seek help before issues escalate.

Several self-care strategies can reduce stress and build resilience – such as sleeping eight hours, exercising, practicing mindfulness, taking time off and setting healthy boundaries. Most importantly, you and your staff must acknowledge the signs and seek professional help early.

At the agency level, public safety leaders can foster a culture that supports mental health. Regular screening programs, access to confidential counseling, peer-support initiatives, and debriefs after traumatic incidents help normalize conversations and provide timely support. Practical steps, like smarter shift scheduling to reduce fatigue, also make a difference.

At ENGAGE 2025, CentralSquare’s annual user conference, the PTSD and Workplace Wellness session highlighted the power of open dialogue in supporting 911 pros. Check it out now for practical tips on identifying the signs of PTSD and supporting dispatchers.

Finally, as an agency leader, you should prioritize Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), promote peer support, and integrate mental health training into first responder education. By combining personal strategies with organizational support, you can build a stronger, healthier workforce.

Next Steps

The next step for agencies is to move from awareness to action. First responders face an elevated risk of depression and anxiety, but agencies can mitigate it by cultivating a culture where mental health is openly discussed and taken seriously.

Leaders should emphasize that while the risks are high, effective treatments and support systems exist – and they work. From confidential counseling to peer-support programs, proven tools are available to help first responders cope with the pressures of their role.

Equally important is equipping staff with the resources to reduce stress and save time. Modern tech solutions, like CentralSquare, can relieve the administrative burden on responders, giving them more time to focus on the community and their personal health.

Supporting first responders now improves emergency response, retention and community safety later. Schedule a discovery call today to learn how your agency can protect first responders by providing time-saving, stress-reducing tools.