The Hidden Challenges: Mental Health of Correctional Workers in Alberta

Correctional work involves regular exposure to potentially traumatic events. These events, combined with significant workplace pressures, put correctional workers at a higher risk for mental health problems. This article looks at the challenges faced by these workers in Canada, especially in Alberta. It explores the types of trauma they experience, how these challenges have been addressed over time, ways to cope, the responsibilities of correctional facilities, and available resources and laws.

What Correctional Workers Go Through: Types of Trauma

Correctional workers, such as correctional officers, probation officers, and parole officers, often face disturbing situations. These are not rare events; they are a constant part of the correctional environment. The types of trauma vary and can deeply affect a person’s well-being.

Direct Violence: Correctional facilities can be unpredictable. Workers may be attacked by inmates, facing anything from minor fights to serious, life-threatening assaults. They may be involved in hostage situations, either as hostages or as responders. Even the constant threat of violence causes mental and emotional strain. This ongoing fear creates a state of constant alertness that is hard to turn off, even outside of work.

Witnessing Violence: Seeing violence is traumatizing, even without being directly involved. Correctional workers often see inmate-on-inmate assaults, which can be brutal. They may also witness self-harm by inmates, which shows deep emotional distress. These experiences can lead to lasting psychological effects, like intrusive thoughts and nightmares.

Inmate Suicides: Responding to or finding an inmate suicide is devastating. Correctional workers may be the first to find an inmate who has taken their own life, leaving them to deal with the immediate aftermath. The emotional impact is huge, often mixed with feelings of guilt and helplessness.

Critical Incidents: Large-scale events, like riots or major disturbances, create high-stress, high-risk environments. Correctional workers are on the front lines, facing danger and chaos. The intensity and potential for loss of life during these events can lead to long-term psychological trauma.

Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS): Correctional workers often hear the life stories of inmates. These stories may include abuse, neglect, and violence. Repeated exposure to these stories can cause Secondary Traumatic Stress. Workers may develop symptoms similar to those of the people who experienced the trauma directly. This highlights the empathetic burden that correctional workers carry.

Organizational Stressors: Besides the trauma of the work itself, workplace factors also impact mental health. Many facilities are understaffed, leading to increased workloads, mandatory overtime, and a feeling of being constantly overworked. This creates stress and burnout. A lack of resources and support from management can make these feelings worse, leading to isolation and discouragement.

The Numbers: Mental Health Issues Among Correctional Workers

The effects of these traumas are seen in the high rates of mental health problems among correctional workers. These rates are much higher than in the general population, highlighting the unique risks of this job.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): For PTSD treatment for correctional workers, it is a commonly studied condition. Research shows high rates of PTSD in this group. A 2021 study of federal correctional workers in Canada found that 91.4% had been exposed to Work Related Traumatic Events (WRTEs).

Anxiety and Depression: Correctional workers also experience high rates of anxiety and depression. Constant stress, trauma, and workplace pressures increase the risk of these conditions. Symptoms include constant worry, panic attacks, difficulty concentrating, feelings of hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities.

Burnout: The buildup of stress and trauma often leads to burnout in correctional workers. Burnout includes emotional exhaustion, where people feel drained. It also involves depersonalization, a detachment from work and people, sometimes showing as cynicism. Finally, burnout includes a feeling of reduced personal accomplishment, where people feel ineffective.

Substance Abuse: Some correctional workers turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with emotional pain and stress. Substance abuse can provide temporary relief but makes mental health problems worse, leading to addiction and affecting well-being and job performance.

Suicidality: It’s hard to get exact data on suicide rates among correctional workers, but the combination of stressors and mental health issues increases the risk. A study between 2010 and 2018 reported 46 suicides among active Public Safety Personnel, 11 of whom were Correctional Workers.

Canadian Statistics: Studies show significant problems. In a sample of Canadian correctional workers, 35.9% screened positive for PTSD, much higher than in the general public. Another study found that nearly half (48.9%) of Canadian correctional workers met the criteria for at least one mental disorder.

Alberta Focus: In the Prairie Region (Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba), the numbers are even more concerning. In this region, 57.3% of correctional workers screened positive for one or more mental disorders, indicating specific issues or needs in the area. This makes understanding depression in Alberta’s correctional workers even more crucial.

A Long Road to Helping: Changing Awareness and Response

Recognizing the psychological impact of correctional work has been gradual, marked by changing attitudes towards mental health and increased research.

Early Years (Before the 1980s): In the early days, the mental health of correctional workers was mostly ignored. A “tough it out” attitude was common, with the expectation that workers should handle job stress without showing weakness. Mental health issues were stigmatized, and seeking help was seen as a failure.

The Emergence of PTSD (1980s-1990s): The recognition of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a condition, initially focused on veterans, began to affect other professions. Awareness started to include jobs involving trauma, like law enforcement and, eventually, corrections. This period marked a shift in understanding, though support systems were still lacking.

Growing Recognition (2000s-Present): The 21st century has seen increased research on occupational stress and trauma in corrections. Organizations like the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) began offering employee assistance programs (EAPs), providing confidential counseling. Critical incident stress management (CISM) protocols were also introduced to support staff after traumatic events.

Landmark Studies: Key research studies highlighted the high rates of PTSD, burnout, and other mental health problems among correctional workers. These studies provided evidence of the problem’s severity and pushed for more attention and resources.

Shifting Focus: The focus is no longer just on the security and management of facilities and inmates, but also on employees’ health. [https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/rp-pr/jr/trauma/p3.html].

Coping Strategies: Individual and Organizational Actions

Addressing the mental health challenges of correctional workers requires a mix of individual coping strategies and organizational interventions.

Individual-Level Strategies:

These are actions correctional workers can take to manage stress, build resilience, and protect their mental well-being.

• Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices involve focusing on the present moment and being aware of thoughts and feelings without judgment. Regular practice can reduce stress, improve emotional control, and promote calm.
• Exercise and Physical Activity: Regular physical activity is a powerful stress reliever. Exercise helps manage stress hormones and releases endorphins, which boost mood.
• Peer Support: Talking to trusted colleagues who understand the unique challenges of correctional work is valuable. Sharing experiences and knowing they are not alone provides emotional support and reduces isolation.
• Healthy Lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle is crucial for overall well-being. This includes eating well, getting enough sleep, and avoiding excessive alcohol or drug use, which can worsen mental health problems.
• Professional Help: Seeking mental health therapy from mental health professionals experienced with trauma is essential. Therapists can provide treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for correctional officers or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) to help process trauma and develop coping skills. For instance, learning about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia benefits can greatly improve sleep quality.
• Hobbies and Recreation: Activities outside of work that provide enjoyment and relaxation are crucial for stress management. Hobbies, sports, time with loved ones, or creative outlets offer a break from job demands.
• Boundary Setting: Setting clear boundaries between work and personal life is vital. This can involve creating routines to decompress after work, avoiding work emails during personal time, and leaving work-related stress at the workplace.

Organizational-Level Interventions:

Correctional organizations must create a supportive environment that promotes staff mental health. This involves policies, programs, and practices that address the factors causing stress and trauma.

• Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM): CISM involves debriefing sessions after a traumatic event, allowing staff to share experiences and receive support. However, the effectiveness of CISM is debated (discussed further below).
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): EAPs offer confidential counseling and support, providing access to mental health professionals for stress, trauma, and personal problems.
• Trauma-Informed Training: Educating all staff about trauma, its effects, and coping strategies is crucial. This training should help staff recognize signs of trauma in themselves and colleagues and respond appropriately.
• Peer Support Programs: Formal peer support programs, where trained staff members support colleagues, can be very effective. These programs create a support network, reduce stigma, and encourage help-seeking.
• Resilience Training: Programs designed to build resilience and coping skills can equip workers with tools to handle job challenges. These may focus on stress management, emotional regulation, communication, and problem-solving.

The Role of Correctional Organizations: Responsibilities

Correctional organizations have a responsibility to protect the mental health of their employees. This goes beyond providing resources; it requires a proactive approach that addresses the causes of stress and trauma.

Policies and Procedures: Clear policies are essential for addressing critical incidents, supporting affected staff, and facilitating a return-to-work process. These should outline procedures for reporting incidents, accessing services, and ensuring staff receive appropriate care.

Training Programs: Comprehensive training is crucial for equipping staff with the knowledge and skills to manage challenges. Programs should cover:

• Mental Health Awareness: Educating staff about common mental health conditions, symptoms, and how to recognize them.
• Trauma: In-depth training on trauma, its effects, and coping strategies.
• Stress Management: Teaching effective techniques for managing stress, like relaxation exercises and mindfulness.
• Communication Skills: Enhancing communication skills, especially in high-stress situations, to de-escalate conflicts and improve interactions.
• Conflict Resolution: Training in conflict resolution techniques to manage challenging situations and prevent violence.

Leadership Support: Visible support from management is essential for creating a culture where mental health is prioritized. Leaders should communicate their commitment to employee well-being, participate in mental health initiatives, and show empathy.

Workplace Culture: Promoting a positive and supportive workplace culture is crucial. This involves fostering respect, empathy, and teamwork, where staff feel valued. Reducing stigma around mental health is key.

Adequate Staffing and Resources: Ensuring sufficient staffing and providing resources are fundamental to reducing workload stress. Chronic understaffing burdens workers, increasing risk and reducing their ability to cope.

Regular Check-ins: Supervisors should conduct regular check-ins with staff to assess well-being. These should be informal and supportive, providing an opportunity to discuss concerns and receive guidance.

Promotion of Work-Life Balance: Encouraging work-life balance is essential. This includes promoting vacation time, self-care activities, and setting boundaries between work and personal life.

Canadian Context: The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) has implemented initiatives like the Road to Mental Readiness program, which aims to reduce stigma and build resilience.

Gaps in the Canadian System: Despite these efforts, gaps remain. Access to mental health services, especially in rural areas, is a challenge. Consistent implementation and evaluation of programs are needed. Stigma continues to prevent many from seeking help.

Alberta Specific: The government of Alberta acknowledges the difficult nature of correctional work. >“Correctional Services has a comprehensive Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) in place for all staff which includes a robust Critical Incident program”. Workers needing to understand Alberta WCB and mental health for corrections workers support can also access specific resources.

Debates and Ethical Issues: Challenges in the Field

The field of correctional mental health has ongoing debates and controversies. These discussions highlight the complexities of addressing trauma and promoting well-being.

Effectiveness of CISM: Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) has been widely used, but its effectiveness in preventing PTSD is questioned. Some studies suggest it may be harmful in certain cases. Alternative approaches, like psychological first aid (PFA) and skills-based training, are gaining attention.

Stigma: The stigma around mental health remains a significant barrier. The “tough guy” culture in correctional settings can discourage staff from admitting vulnerability. This reinforces the idea that seeking help is a weakness.

Mandatory vs. Voluntary Support: There is debate about whether participation in support programs should be mandatory or voluntary after traumatic events. Mandatory participation ensures all staff receive support, while opponents argue that forcing individuals can be counterproductive.

Organizational Responsibility: Ethical discussions revolve around the organization’s responsibility to prevent and address trauma. Balancing worker well-being with operational demands is complex. Questions arise about resource allocation, preventative measures, and creating a supportive workplace culture.

Confidentiality: Maintaining confidentiality in EAPs and peer support programs is crucial for building trust. However, balancing this with the need to address potential risks, such as an individual posing a threat to themselves or others, presents ethical dilemmas. Ethical considerations in therapy are particularly important in this context.

Resources and Laws: Support for Correctional Workers

Several laws are relevant to the mental health of correctional workers:

• Corrections and Conditional Release Act (Federal): Governs the federal system and includes provisions for safety and well-being.
• Occupational health and safety legislation at the provincial level (e.g., Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety Act): Mandates employers to provide a safe workplace, including addressing psychological hazards.
• Workers’ compensation legislation (provincial): Provides benefits for work-related injuries or illnesses, including mental health conditions.
• Human rights legislation prohibiting discrimination based on mental disability: Protects workers from discrimination based on mental health status.

The mental health of correctional workers is a matter of public safety and organizational responsibility. By investing in their well-being, Canada can create a more humane and effective correctional system. Concrete action must be taken to ensure these workers receive the support they deserve. For immediate support and guidance, reach out to Responders First today.

Don Davis

15+ years of emergency response experience. Passionate about connecting our first responder communities with critical resources. Author of hundreds of articles and guides on First Responders mental health care. When not responding to emergencies, you can find me playing with my dogs, hiking, or enjoying a good book.