https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/interactive/2025/reaction-federal-workers-trump-mental-health/

Investigations
Readers react to stories of federal workers’ treatment under DOGE

“These stories of real people bring it home”: The Washington Post’s investigation into the mental health of federal workers led to thousands of reader reactions.

By Hannah Natanson
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William Wan and The Washington Post’s investigation into the mental health of federal workers revealed many are now struggling with suicidal thoughts, panic attacks and deep anguish amid the Trump administration’s mass firings and upending of government agencies.

Thousands of readers responded, including some current and former federal workers with their own experiences. Below is a selection of emails and comments, edited for length and printed with permission. Some respondents preferred to withhold their full names because of their employment.
Tom Hershenson
56, Washington, D.C.

“A quick note of appreciation for your article — both the reporting and, for lack of a better word, humanity of it. To such devastating stories, to quote Linda Loman — under similar circumstances — in Death of a Salesman, ‘Attention must be paid.’”

Anne Rogers Poliakoff
73, Oakton, Virginia

“We knew this was happening, but these stories of real people bring it home. I’m left wishing there were some way to send support and encouragement to these people. I’m sure there are millions of us who are grateful to VA nurses, park service officers, education researchers, and on and on and would like them to know we see them and honor their work.”

Cy Gaynor

“I lived and worked in DC for many years before retiring elsewhere. Over the decades, I met and befriended many federal workers (though I myself was not one). All of them were good, honest, hardworking people who chose a career of public service. They earned less than what the private sector might have offered, but it was never about the money. Being a civil servant is about contributing to society by putting forth one’s best effort to serve the Federal Government—and the tax payers who pay your salary.”

Erica Johnson
60, Arlington, Virginia

“Good Article. I am a Federal Worker, I have 40 years of Service, I will be 61 later this year. I am under FERS I can Retire with the Supplemental, but I will Not. Every day I think about my colleagues who have dedicated their lives to Public Service and the way WE are being treated, a majority have left the Agency. I love my job, but I am also very disappointed in the way we FED'S are perceived as Lazy and Untrustworthy. I am trying to hold on until next year when I will be 62 and can retire on my terms. I never thought my Federal Career would end on this sour note. I have dedicated my Life to Public Service. I feel like I have been stabbed in the heart. ”

Naomi, a former student of Caitlin Cross-Barnet, whose story was featured in The Post’s investigation
35, Washington, D.C.

“I knew her as Ms. C-B when I was a student in her seventh-grade English class at Harvard-Westlake in 2001. She taught me one of the most valuable lessons of my schooling. I won’t go into details here and risk turning this note into a story about myself, but suffice to say that she made a real and important impact on me as a young person, and it does not surprise me at all to hear that she went on to dedicate the rest of her life to social justice and public service. As someone who worked in federal government until recently myself, the loss of Ms. C-B on top of all the other damage done by this administration feels especially devastating. She touched so many people and made the world a better place.”

Jan Kucklick
60, Charleston, South Carolina

“As a recently retired public servant with over 26 years of Federal service, I saw firsthand the mental and physical health impacts this administration had on federal workers. Every day since day one of this administration, we didn’t know what the day would bring. ... Retiring was a difficult decision. I was not ready to retire, I still have a lot to give my office and the work we do. I loved working alongside my colleagues who are equally mission driven. However, the worry, stress, fear, and the chaos being created by DOGE led to sleepless nights, inability to work, tears, immense sadness, and anger. It resulted in physical symptoms too-headaches, nausea, racing heart, and elevated blood pressure. It was these emotional and physical impacts that led me to the decision to retire. I had to look out for myself and my health.”

Steven Dick
64, Lafayette, Louisiana

“You should note it is not just federal workers but contractors as well. My company lost so much funding that I and several other workers were laid off. Worthy projects directly serving the departments of education in several states were abruptly canceled. ”

Kurt Mulholland
71, Bethesda, Maryland

“I think it has impacted the mental health of every beating heart in America. Why do republicans so dislike cooperative citizens working together for the greater good? I think there are two things going on here. First, it’s the rugged individualism myth that is promoted in our educational system and in our culture. Second, I think many people in our country are not doing well economically, living hand to mouth, and are bitter about their lot. As a result, they are happy to stick it to others, especially government employees whose income they mistakenly believe is coming out of their pockets. Having the working classes fighting each other is the goal. Businesses could not be happier with the results. ”

Jason, former Department of Housing and Urban Development employee

“Thank you so much for giving voice to people who are hurting and aren‘t feeling seen. I’m okay, but I know many who are struggling, and it‘s a hard story to tell with compassion and care. In my opinion, you did it well, and shed light on the essential cruelty and absurdity of it. I’m sure we all feel the same way, and I truly thank you for it.”

Current Department of Justice employee

“I hope those who want to pretend these mean-spirited attacks are somehow justified read your story and understand the life and death consequences for those who felt pride in being of service to others. The soul of America is at stake and your work is a vital truth that should be shared. Sad that I can’t sing your praises for fear of reprisal from these forces of evil. Please keep it up and know how grateful we are over here keeping up the fight for truth, justice and light in this darkness.”

Michael Blackmon contributed to this report.Alexandra Pannoni


May 24, 2025 at 7:00 a.m. EDTToday at 7:00 a.m. EDT