A TRACON Controller reported they could not provide adequate assistance to a small aircraft requesting priority handling due to workload of working combined sectors because of chronic lack of staffing issues at their facility.

Narrative

I chose this aircraft as an example but I really want to report is the unsafe conditions the FAA is making us work. We have been short staffed for too many years and it's creating so many unsafe situations. This example is one of many over the years. Middle of the day sectors combined; that shouldn't be; too many aircraft on 2 frequencies and the Aircraft X calls for [priority handling] and I have no time or resources to help. We don't do VFR flight following or practice approaches due to short staffing. We can't call traffic in the VFR practice area. We can't call for help like a handoff or an extra set of eyes. The FAA has created an unsafe environment to work and for the flying public. The controllers mental health is deteriorating. We are stressed; angry and filling reports (so call problems) with each other. Problems that short staffing has created over years of poorly staffed areas and poor supervision. There's also a sense of no accountability. Controllers are using more sick leave to get a break from the intense sessions we get from over working. We are also forced to work a 6th day. So we can't even plan our lives in our days off. Something has to change. And yes permission to share Prioritize staffing and cancel peoples details days and extra activities. Aggressively hire controllers. Many procedural problems that are reported in the last few years are probably related to staffing and the shortcuts we are forced to take to make it work.