Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Friday acknowledged the mental and emotional toll the coronavirus pandemic is taking on everyone, especially essential workers. 

"They're working extended hours. They're seeing a large number of people die. They're working in very frightening situations. They're worried about their own health," said Cuomo.

"I felt like I was walking into a third world country. Beds just lined up and lined up with vented patients just overwhelming. It literally takes your breath away," said registered nurse Dyann Pace.

He announced that he is instructing all insurance companies to waive copays, share pays and deductibles for mental health services given to all essential workers.

Cuomo says a number of people in the past have told him they believe they would benefit from mental health services but didn't want to take that money away from their families. He says for now, that is no longer an issue.

Husband and wife Keri and Jim Lindberg are ICU nurses on the front lines of the pandemic. They say help is necessary, because they go to work every day on a battlefield.

"We are frightened. We are emotionally drained. We are physically spent," said Keri Lindberg.

If you need help or know someone who does, the state has established an emotional support hotline. That number is 1-844-863-9314.