This article by Rachana Pradhan first appeared in KFF Health News, republished with permission.

LISTEN: KFF Health News correspondent Rachana Pradhan spoke with federal employees who say mass government layoffs are affecting their mental health. She appeared on WAMU’s “Health Hub” segment on April 2.

Federal workers are feeling demoralized and anxious as the Department of Government Efficiency slashes tens of thousands of jobs. Federal employment used to carry the promise of job security and an opportunity to serve the nation. But in recent weeks, uncertainty may be the most defining characteristic of being a federal worker. The stress is felt especially in Washington, D.C., where nearly 50,000 people work for the federal government.

Losing a job can be devastating. Being fired can cause anxiety, depression, digestive issues, and heart disease. For some, it could increase the risk of suicide. Many workers who lost their job with the federal government face these pressures without their health insurance to seek counseling and other treatment.

KFF Health News correspondent Rachana Pradhan and senior correspondent Aneri Pattani reported on the impact these firings have had on mental health.

Pradhan appeared on WAMU’s “Health Hub” on April 2.

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about KFF.

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This article first appeared on KFF Health News and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.