As news reports of frontline responders taking their lives become more frequent, there is concern about the emotional effect fighting COVID-19 is having on these health care workers and first responders.

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Michael Greco, Vice President of of the FDNY EMS local 2507 union which represents the over 4,000 uniformed EMTs, paramedics, and fire inspectors of the FDNY, says he has seen the emotional scars in many of the 4,000 men and women he represents and says he worries about their future.
 

On Monday’s episode of Dr. Phil, Dr. Phil outlines some of the warning signs and red flags of PTSD that many may not realize. In the video above, he and Greco discuss the stigma that many first responders feel about admitting they need mental health help.

WATCH: How To Spot The Warning Signs Of PTSD
 
Greco says, historically, the stigma has been a “huge” problem for people coming forward to seek help. “We are always been known to take it in, and hold on to it, and it’s not supposed to affect us,” he says. “Psychological help has become a four-letter word to a past generation, but as this new generation comes up, talking about your feelings is supposed to be OK.”
 
Greco also points out that because of social distancing, men and women can’t use many of their familiar coping mechanisms. “Whether it be sporting events, bars, restaurants, going to a club … everything we normally do on a day-to-day basis to try and process this is not available to us, so we’re having trouble figuring out how to help and how to let it out,” he explains to Dr. Phil.  
 
In the video above, Dr. Phil explains that PTSD is both a psychological and neurological phenomenon.
 
This episode airs Monday. Watch more here.