The Research Is Clear: Guardians Need Support. We are Here to Help.
Editorial note: We typically do not focus on suicide, depression, trauma, and other topics in our programming or on our website & emails. However, this is important data, and we wanted to share these insights as well as what we do to help, especially as we approach Suicide Awareness Month in September (and talk about Why We Walk in the One Mile Challenge).
Two recent research reports confirm what many of us already know — our guardians face serious mental health challenges, and they’re not getting the support they need. But there's also hope.
The RAND Corporation and Benjamin Center (SUNY New Paltz) surveyed thousands of guardians across New York State. They found high rates of PTSD, depression, stress, and burnout — along with huge gaps in care due to stigma, cost, lack of time, and not enough providers who understand the culture and lifestyle of military and first responder service.
At Guardian Revival, we’re not just aware of the challenges — our programs are already providing the kinds of services these reports recommend. We’re here for guardians — military, veterans & first responders (and their families), with barrier-free, confidential, and community-driven support.
Comparison of statistics from several sources
Here’s a brief overview of what the research says and how we’re here to help. Because this new research proves that the work we’re doing is not only relevant — it’s urgently needed.
Veterans in New York
Understanding Veterans in New York: A Needs Assessment of Veterans Recently Separated from the Military by Jeanne S. Ringel, Julia Lejeune, Jessica Phillips, Michael W. Robbins, Melissa A. Bradley, Joshua Wolf, Martha J. Timmer
This study surveyed 1,122 veterans who separated from the military between 2018 and 2023 and now live in New York. The findings were stark: roughly 1 in 4 screened positive for PTSD or depression, and 9% had experienced suicidal thoughts in the past year.
Even though nearly all had health insurance, 21% reported unmet mental health needs, often due to stigma, lack of access, or fear of negative career consequences.
Many expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of mental health treatment — further compounding the crisis. RAND emphasized the importance of peer-based, accessible, and culturally competent support — the exact approach Guardian Revival takes with our programs.
Key Findings:
Mental Health
25% of veterans had probable depression (vs 18.5% for the general population from recent estimates)
26% of veterans had probable PTSD (vs 5% for the general population from recent estimates)
17% of veterans had both depression and PTSD
9% of veterans thought about suicide in the past year
Support
21% said they did not get the mental health care they needed
25% reported food insecurity in the past year
38.8% said they didn’t seek care because they thought treatment doesn’t work
25% feared mental health care could hurt their career
Top Barriers:
Stigma around mental health
Lack of transportation or flexible appointments
Not enough culturally competent care
Services tied to government or employer systems — not always seen as safe or confidential
Despite nearly all having health insurance, 21% said they weren’t getting the mental health care they need: “Many cited difficulty accessing services, lack of transportation, and stigma around mental health care.”
At Guardian Revival, we’ve created low-barrier, confidential programs that get around those obstacles:
Peer Services: Talk 1:1 with another guardian — online or in person. No diagnosis required, and nothing is tied to your job or the VA.
Talk Line: Need someone to talk to? This is not a crisis line — just a human connection with a fellow guardian that you can call any time. 845.745.0088
Events organized at our GR HQ at the Beacon Veterans Memorial Building are accessible via MetroNorth to Beacon, followed by a ~15 minute walk or a quick ride on the Free Loop Bus.
Our Another Summit program also organizes public transit-accessible outings (Transit to Trail) so that guardians from the NYC Metropolitan area can enjoy nature with peers.
Another recommendation from the report encouraged offerings that include the growing diversity of the veteran population, including “veteran women, LGBTQ+ veterans, and those from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds.”
We have options already available for Women Guardians, including a monthly Gathering and occasional hikes and even a backpacking trip this summer! (Our Homefront program for families also hosts monthly Gatherings for Spouses & Partners.)
“Many respondents (38.8%) believed mental health treatment is ineffective.”
We get it. That’s why we focus on community and action-based healing. Programs like Another Summit (hiking, paddling, outdoor trips) and Encore (music creation & connection) give guardians something real, practical, and uplifting to experience — together.
First Responders in New York
First Responder Mental Health Needs Assessment (MHNA), Benjamin Center for Public Policy Initiatives: Institute for Disaster Mental Health, by Robin Jacobowitz, Ph.D., Amy Nitza, Ph.D., Kathleen (kt) Tobin, Ph.D., and Jesse Hazard.
This report surveyed over 6,000 first responders across the state, including law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs & dispatchers. Nearly all (94%) cited stress as a significant occupational challenge, and over half reported symptoms of burnout, depression, anxiety, or PTSD. Alarmingly, 16% had experienced suicidal thoughts — a rate four times higher than the general public.
The study also revealed deep systemic barriers: stigma, fear of job repercussions, lack of culturally aware providers, and limited time or access to care. Participants overwhelmingly endorsed the need for peer support, wellness programming, and confidential, non-punitive avenues for care — all cornerstones of Guardian Revival’s mission.
Key Findings:
94% said stress is a major challenge in the profession
68% personally experienced stress
59% reported burnout
52% experienced anxiety
53% reported symptoms of depression
38% reported symptoms of PTSD
16% reported suicidal thoughts — 4x the general population
Top Barriers:
80% said stigma keeps people from getting help
74% feared career damage if they sought care
68% feared losing their pistol license
75% said there are not enough culturally competent providers
78% said they simply don’t have time to get help
“First responders want more peer support programs and access to wellness activities.” That’s exactly what we provide at Guardian Revival.
Another Summit gives first responders (and other guardians) opportunities to get outside, move their bodies, and connect with others who understand the weight of the job — without having to explain themselves.
Peer Services are delivered by fellow guardians who speak the same language, know the culture, and bring lived experience — not just theory.
Boots & Paws offers the healing power of animal companionship — shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and help with sleep and mood.
“A peer support network trained to address first responder issues and available 24/7” was one of the top recommendations in the report. ✅ That’s already happening at GR — through our Talk Line and trained peer support network.
Designed for Guardians, by Guardians
Both reports make it clear: traditional systems are missing the mark. Even with insurance, veterans and first responders are not getting what they need — because of stigma, access issues, or fear of consequences.
That’s where Guardian Revival stands out. Our goal is simple: empower guardians with tools, resources & experiences to thrive — no matter where they are in their journey.
Here’s what we offer:
🌲 Another Summit
Local hikes, paddling trips & outdoor adventures
Designed to reduce stress and build peer connection
For most outings, no gear or experience required
🐾 Boots & Paws
Provide guardians with companion dogs as puppies (along with a care package)
Strengthens routine, companionship & well-being
We also contract for facility dog visits to corporate events, educational institutions, community gatherings to offer their special touch of warmth, comfort, and relaxation
🎶 Encore
Making it easy for guardians to learn, play, write, record & share music
Great for expression, creativity, and connection
Online lessons and Beyond the Soundboard sessions available
🤝 Peer Services
1:1 and group peer support (via gatherings) — by guardians, for guardians
Connect with others who have walked the same path
Our peer specialists are fellow guardians with backgrounds in military and first responder settings, plus additional training
📞 Talk Line
Call 845.745.0088 to connect with a trained peer specialist from our Peer Services team
Not a crisis line — just someone to talk to who gets it
100% private, no reporting, no judgment
🏡 Homefront
Support, resources, and events for families of guardians
Offerings for the spouse / partners only as well as couples and the whole family
📈 RISE
Events focused on building resilience and improving focus, energy, and overall well-being
Events available both online and in-person in Hudson Valley
Targeting essential pillars of wellness: sleep, nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness
You’re Not Alone — We Are Here For You
These reports show just how widespread the challenges are — but they also give us a roadmap. The good news? Guardian Revival is already on that path.
If you're a guardian (or love one), here’s how you can take action today:
Check out our programs guardianrevival.org and get involved in our events
Share this blog with a guardian you know
Follow us on social media @guardianrevival and spread the word
Our guardians spend their lives serving others. Let’s make sure they have what they need to thrive — mentally, physically & emotionally. Support our mission by making a donation or sponsoring a program.
Together, our guardians can connect to a stronger, more supported community — one hike, one jam, one conversation, one connection at a time.
