US federal workers laid off during the Trump administration report significant mental health consequences, including symptoms reminiscent of PTSD, according to a recent survey conducted by 27UNIHTED, a network of former National Institute of Health employees.
The survey included over 300 fired probationary employees, with 95% indicating that they continue to experience mental health issues. Nearly half of those surveyed reported PTSD-like symptoms, while a quarter have begun new medications to manage these symptoms.
Respondents represented 43 states and the US Virgin Islands, and they had been employed across 12 different departments within 15 federal agencies.
This group represents a small percentage of the more than 300,000 federal workers who either lost their jobs or were pressured to resign or retire since Donald Trump began his second term. Notably, over 25,000 of these workers were terminated during their probationary period.
Brier Ryver, a former park ranger at Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, was among those fired. Ryver described the personal impact of the firings, stating, “Even now, still talking to people who are still reinstated, it still feels like they’re waiting for the other shoe to drop.” Ryver was briefly reinstated in March 2025 before being terminated again in May.
A federal judge ruled in September that the termination of these probationary employees violated the law. However, the court did not mandate reinstatement of the affected staff, citing concerns that the Supreme Court might overrule such a decision.
Ryver remarked that these firings could set a precedent, leading to future dismissals without regard for civil service protections. She expressed, “These unlawful terminations that should have never happened in the first place have had deep personal impacts.”
Christa Reynolds, a former NIH contractor, echoed similar sentiments. She expressed disappointment at the judge’s ruling, emphasizing that federal service should prioritize public benefit rather than be subject to the administration’s whims.
Reynolds recalled a comment made by Russell Vought in 2024, saying, “We want the bureaucrats to be traumatically affected.” She found it troubling given the dedication of federal employees to public service.
The White House directed inquiries to the Office of Personnel Management, which did not respond to requests for comment. Lawsuits related to the firings are currently ongoing, and workers have filed appeals with the Merit Systems Protection Board.
The survey findings reveal ongoing challenges for laid-off workers, with one in five reporting unemployment as of January 31. Additionally, 49% of those who found new employment indicated significantly lower wages in their new roles. Only about 11% secured other positions within the federal government.
Dr. Whitney Behr, a biologist who was also dismissed while attending a work training event, recounted the impact of her firing, explaining she had to move in with family due to financial constraints. Despite temporary reinstatement, she ultimately accepted a job offer overseas, reflecting on the substantial loss of expertise within the US government during this period.
Behr noted that critical projects in wildlife conservation and other areas are suffering due to the loss of thousands of qualified professionals. She urged public awareness of the repercussions, saying, “I would like people to understand that they are being stolen from in ways that may not be able to be repaired.”
Source: www.theguardian.com via Google News.
