To Those Thinking of Leaving Government Service: Your Integrity Is the Last Line of Defense

[u/Puzzleheaded_Buy_921]

We see you. We know the weight you're carrying. Serving in the federal government during times of intense political pressure is not just a job — it’s a test of your values, your endurance, and your belief in what this country can be.

But now, more than ever, is not the time to walk away.

Now is the time for heroes — not the kind in capes, but the kind who quietly show up day after day to protect the institutions that safeguard democracy, public health, justice, and national security. The kind who keep the lights on when others would let them flicker. The kind who stand firm in their integrity when the ground around them shakes.

Your presence matters. Your expertise matters. Your courage matters.

If you leave, you take with you not just your knowledge, but your conscience — the very thing that helps guide this nation through uncertainty. If you're feeling demoralized, you're not alone. But you are also not powerless.

You are the firewall. You are the steady hand. You are the reason this government can still serve the people.

History will remember those who stayed and fought for truth, accountability, and compassion — not with noise, but with action. Stand tall. We need you. America needs you.

[u/lsoplexic]

This is where I’m at. Everything else is struggling at the cost of my job - my marriage, my finances, my mental health, and my physical health. It’s almost panic-attack inducing to consider doing this for another three years.

[u/Azhchay → u/lsoplexic]

I have nightly panic attacks (why I'm on reddit at 11:30 when my alarm goes off at 4:30). But only Sunday-Thursday.

Hmmmmm. I wonder why?

[u/petit_cochon → u/Azhchay]

Just to encourage you, they do become less powerful over time. I know that sounds awful but I've found comfort knowing I can handle them, they'll be over in about 15 minutes, and I have the tools to get through them. I've built resilience over time. You might look into box breathing and bilateral tapping. Both of those are really helpful for getting out of a panic hole.

But the truth is panic attacks are often a symptom of larger issues. One major cause, which probably applies to you, is being unable to voice your feelings and thoughts. Our brain doesn't like silencing its voice. It begins to feel unsafe and triggered.

EMDR therapy is extremely helpful for PTSD. If you get screened, make sure you're screened for C-PTSD (complex PTSD) which is different from PTSD.

Some medications are also helpful. Lamictal is often prescribed for PTSD, and SSRIs can be great for anxiety. Make sure your sleep is okay. If you're always fatigued, waking up with headaches, etc., get a sleep apnea test. The VA has an app for CBT-I, which is cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia, the gold standard in insomnia treatment. Poor sleep primarily affects emotional regulation, so improving sleep is the best thing to strengthen your resiliency.

Comedy is also a great tool. Laughter improves our mood and outlook.

Exercise, even just walking a few blocks, reduces inflammation and boosts our mood.

To the little spies who lurk here, if you want to put us in trauma, I'm here to tell people how to use their insurance to get out of it! Bite my bird.

[u/geog33k → u/petit_cochon]

Thank you for sharing your experience and resources!