First responders are our strength on our worst days, but a recent survey outlines and documents the stresses they face.

It’s a stressful job serving a first responder – a rescuer.

“It's the nonstop phone calls. It's the not knowing what's going to come next. It's the pressure of performing it. It's the stress of making sure you make the right decisions, the right time for the right people and include everybody there is," said Matt Franklin, director of the state Office of Emergency Management.

The New York State Emergency Management Association Conference hosted researchers from SUNY New Paltz on Wednesday.

They assessed the mental health needs of first responders, by disseminating an online survey across the state. More than 6,000 people participated.

Researchers said this is the first and largest survey of its kind in New York state.

“We knew the problem was there. We're just really glad that we were able to document the strong need for improving services for this community," said Dr. Amy Nitza, executive director of the Institute for Disaster Mental Health at SUNY New Paltz.

More than half of the first responders surveyed said they’ve been stressed.

Fifty-nine percent reported feeling burned out, 53% reported symptoms of depression and 52% have experienced anxiety.

The assessment also found more than 90% of first responders said mental health services like therapy would help.

The barriers to that are a stigma they experience, and being afraid of repercussions.

“Being assigned to desk duty, losing their pistol permit security clearance, those kinds of things. And so another big issue that came up in terms of barriers was the need for culturally competent, uh, for therapists who are culturally competent and working with the first responder population," Nitza said.

“The suicide rate is too high, folks melting down and not accepting as well, having difficulties at home, passing them out to the families. There has to be a better way and it's important. I would implore anyone that's out there going through this to reach out to folks that can help," Franklin said.

More than a third of first responders also reported having symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Anyone struggling with an immediate crisis and suicidal thoughts can call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

There are other resources available for a nonimmediate crisis. New York Cares Up is an initiative with resources to help uniformed personnel and veterans.