Fired federal worker 'whiplash': How mass layoffs are causing mental, physical crises

WASHINGTON, D.C. (7News) — President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday afternoon gutting the Department of Education, which is the latest on his pledge to reduce the federal workforce.

The sweeping cuts and federal reorganization, paired with rulings from two judges ordering job reinstatement for thousands who were let go, are causing confusion and uncertainty for federal workers and their families.

"It's like a whiplash," said Dr. Amy Bowers, licensed clinical psychologist based in Arlington, Virginia.

Dr. Bowers sat down with 7News Health and Wellness Reporter Victoria Sanchez about the mass firings and the impact on government employees. She said this will most likely cause a lasting mental health crisis in the country after workers cope with the immediate physiological needs of survival, like food and shelter.

ALSO READ | Arlington leaders warn federal workforce cuts could be 'very severe' for the county

“People are suddenly sideswiped – they have no income; their benefits are gone. All of the stability that they’ve relied on, or their family relied on, is just gone. Or there are fears that that’s coming if they haven’t lost their job or have been laid off," she said.

Sudden job loss can be devastating, leading to difficulty sleeping or concentrating, lack of appetite and feelings of panic or anger. These are all associated with trauma.

Around 24,000 probationary employees who were let go, should get their jobs back, after two judges ruled they must be reinstated. This change can add to the stress.

“For someone who was brought back quickly I don’t know that the pressure of that is really going to help them do their work. They may be able to move back into their work, but I couldn’t imagine that they would be able to rest and actually be able to focus and concentrate because what would prevent them from being let go again?” Dr. Bowers said.

“I would assume that there would be some trust issues, like any relationship. How do you start to trust your employer again? Can you?” Sanchez asked.

“Exactly. Right. It’s hard to know. I think there’s some kind of, out-of-the-frying-pan, are you going into the fire-type situation.” she said.

Dr. Bowers suggests, that if you are looking for work outside of the federal government, ask about policies in place for probationary workers and ask current employees how they are treated. It might help ease some fears when getting back in the workforce. She adds it takes time to build trust.

Community Mental Health Resources

Virginia

• Arlington County Adult Behavioral Healthcare
  Eligibility: Arlington resident, homeless, person receiving Medicaid, resident in Arlington facility (psychiatric hospital, jail, etc.)
  Fees: Sliding fee based on income
  
  
• Fairfax County Community Service Board
  Eligibility: Any Fairfax County, Fairfax City or Falls Church resident who has a concern related to mental health, substance use, or developmental disability may contact or visit CSB’s Entry and Referral Services
  Fees: Financial assistance available on a sliding fee scale
  
  
• Loudoun County Mental Health, Substance Abuse & Developmental Services
  Eligibility: Loudoun County resident
  
• Prince William County Department of Community Services
  Eligibility: Residents of Prince William County, the City of Manassas, and the City of Manassas Park who are affected by, or who are at risk of, developmental delays and disabilities, mental illness and/or substance use disorders
  

District

• DC Department of Health Care Finance
  Eligibility: District residents
  Fees: Adults who need behavioral health services and supports can choose from a number of community based private providers located in neighborhoods throughout the District. You can contact the provider of your choice directly or you can call the ACCESS Helpline at 1-888-793-4357 and talk with a behavioral health professional who will guide you through the process

Maryland

• Montgomery County Adult Behavioral Health Program
  Eligibility: County residents age 18 and older with a serious mental illness, who does not have private insurance, is low income, and who has not been able to find services elsewhere in the public mental health system.
  Fees: The program does accept Maryland Medical Assistance, PAC and Medicare. No private insurances are accepted. A sliding scale issued by the Maryland Department of Health is used to determine fees and clients are expected to present verification of their income in the form of pay stubs, bank statements, or tax returns.

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