For federal employee Monique Lockett, a dedicated 25-year veteran of the Social Security Administration (SSA), the last months of her life were marked by mounting stress and anxiety. Her sister, Ksha, remembers the fear that consumed Monique — not only for her own future but for the fate of her colleagues and the agency she loyally served for decades.
The Human Cost of Fear: Federal Workers Face a Mental Health Crisis Amid Sweeping Changes
In February, just five years from retirement, the federal employee found herself facing one of the most uncertain and destabilizing periods of her career. Her growing concern centered on what Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) might do to the SSA and the sensitive data she was committed to protecting.
“She had a lot of anxiety around the changes happening across agencies and what it meant for Social Security,” Ksha told CNN. “She was concerned about the well-being of everyone she worked with.”
A Climate of Fear and Demoralization
Under the Trump administration’s restructuring efforts, known for drastic cuts to federal programs and jobs, a wave of anxiety and depression has swept through the workforce. Interviews with federal employees, family members, and mental health professionals paint a grim picture: feelings of fear, hopelessness, and emotional exhaustion are becoming the norm.
False narratives and misinformation about government fraud have fueled public skepticism, creating a hostile work environment where the federal employee often feels devalued and demonized.
Monique spent her final days amid this toxic atmosphere.
“She was devastated to hear people say what they did wasn’t important or that it was wasteful,” Ksha recalled.
On the morning of February 18, Monique didn’t call her sister as she usually did upon arriving at the SSA headquarters in Baltimore. The federal employee went to her desk and never woke up. According to a police report, Monique was later found to have died from hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease — a condition exacerbated by chronic stress, medical experts say.
When the Pressure Becomes Too Much
Co-workers described Monique as calm and composed, showing “no visible signs of distress” that morning. But according to Dr. Jonathan Reiner, a CNN medical analyst and professor of medicine, stress plays a significant role in cardiovascular health.
“Chronic stress increases blood pressure and cortisol levels,” Dr. Reiner said. “It can trigger inflammation, which contributes to atherosclerosis and heart events.”
Monique had high blood pressure and obesity and was undergoing treatment — but Ksha believes the immense workplace stress contributed to her sudden death as a federal employee devoted to service.
A Broader Crisis in the Federal Workforce
Monique’s tragic story is not isolated. The DOGE-led efforts to “streamline” agencies have placed the average federal employee under intense scrutiny. Employees report feeling watched, second-guessed, and demoralized.
“These are good people being traumatized,” a former SSA employee said.
DOGE’s attempts to gain broad access to SSA data — which a federal judge later blocked as “a fishing expedition” — only deepened concerns about privacy and job security.
Across other agencies, the emotional toll is evident:
- IRS union leader Alex Berman reported an increase in panic and anxiety attacks among staff.
- At the CDC, mass layoffs followed by abrupt rehiring cycles have left employees emotionally drained and uncertain.
- Mental health counselors in Washington, DC, are seeing more federal employees seeking therapy or joining support groups to deal with grief, fear, and burnout.
“People are suffering in ways I haven’t seen before,” one clinical counselor said.
Monique’s Legacy
Monique was more than her title — an IT specialist in the Office of Systems Architecture — she was described as “one of our best” by a former colleague. The federal employee played a key role in safeguarding the SSA’s data and upholding the integrity of the agency’s systems.
Her death, in many ways, became a symbol of the emotional and physical toll exacted on government workers by policies that neglect the human cost of efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions –
What is causing stress among federal employees?
Federal workers are facing stress due to massive job cuts, reorganizations, and increasing scrutiny from initiatives like DOGE. The constant threat of layoffs and hostile rhetoric about government inefficiency contributes to chronic anxiety and job insecurity.
How does chronic workplace stress affect health?
Long-term stress raises cortisol levels, increases blood pressure, and causes inflammation — all of which are linked to heart disease, strokes, and other serious conditions like atherosclerosis.
What support is available for federal employees dealing with anxiety or depression?
Many agencies offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), which include free counseling, mental health resources, and referral services. Some federal-focused therapists are also offering support groups for those feeling isolated or overwhelmed.
Why was DOGE’s access to SSA data blocked?
A federal judge ruled that DOGE lacked a clear purpose and was engaging in a “fishing expedition” with no proof of fraud. The decision temporarily halted their access to personally identifiable information of millions of Americans.
How can families and communities support affected workers?
Mental health professionals urge the public to check in on federal workers, offer emotional support, help with day-to-day responsibilities, and simply listen. Even small gestures can alleviate feelings of isolation and help build resilience.
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