Supporting the Mental Well-being of Your Correctional Officer Partner in Alberta

Working as a correctional officer in Alberta comes with many tough challenges. These challenges can really impact the mental health of those who serve our communities. Correctional officers often face stressful situations, see difficult things, and deal with emotionally charged environments. This article is a guide for spouses of correctional officers. It gives advice and support if you’re worried about your partner’s mental health and thinking about suggesting therapy. It covers understanding stress, how to talk about it, available resources, and legal/ethical information.

The Hidden Struggles: Mental Health in Correctional Work

Correctional work is a unique job. Correctional officers keep order and safety with people who may have mental health issues, addiction problems, or violent behaviors. This constant exposure to distress, combined with the dangers of the job, creates a very stressful workplace.

Studies show that correctional workers have higher rates of mental health disorders than the general population. A national survey of Canadian correctional workers found that they experience mental health therapy challenges more often. One study compared Correctional Officer Recruits to active Correctional Officers. Recruits had a low rate (4.9%) of current mental health disorders. However, a much larger 54.6% of serving officers showed signs of a mental health disorder. This big difference shows how the stress of the job builds up over time for correctional workers.

Research shows specific factors that contribute to this risk:

Trauma Exposure: Officers often see traumatic events like violence between inmates, self-harm, suicide attempts, and verbal abuse. This can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder in correctional workers (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
Emotional Work: Correctional officers must often hide their own emotions and stay professional, even when stressed or upset. This constant control of emotions can be tiring and lead to burnout.
Shift Work: Odd work schedules, like night shifts and overtime, can mess up sleep and cause tiredness. This makes mental health issues worse.
Workplace Stress: Things like not enough staff, lack of resources, and feeling unsupported by management can add to the stress.
Stigma: A culture of toughness and fear of seeming weak can stop officers from seeking help. This, along with worries about job security, creates a barrier to getting mental health support.

These pressures make it very important for spouses to pay attention to their partner’s well-being. Approaching the topic of mental health needs to be done with care and understanding. Because the job focuses on control and authority, it can be hard for officers to admit they need help.

How to Talk About It: Communication Tips for Spouses

Talking about mental health with a loved one, especially a correctional officer, needs careful thought. The aim is to create a safe space for open talk, encourage them to get help, and offer strong support. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to communicate effectively:

1. Empathy and Understanding:

Start by recognizing the pressures of correctional work. Show your partner that you understand the daily challenges they face. Avoid making their experiences seem small or offering simple solutions. Learn about the specific mental health challenges common to correctional workers, like PTSD, depression, anxiety, and burnout. This shows you care about understanding their situation.

For Example: Instead of saying, “You just need to relax more,” try, “I know your job is incredibly demanding, and you deal with situations most people can’t even imagine. I can only imagine how much that weighs on you.”

2. Creating a Safe Space:

Make a place where your spouse feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. Pick a time and place where you can talk without being interrupted. This might be a quiet evening at home, a weekend walk, or anywhere you both feel relaxed.

Active Listening: Pay close attention to what your spouse is saying, both words and body language. Make eye contact, nod to show understanding, and don’t interrupt unless it is a safety issue. Repeat back what you hear to make sure you understand.
For Example: “It sounds like you’re feeling overwhelmed by the constant tension at work, and that it’s making it hard to switch off when you come home. Is that right?”
Validation: Show that their feelings are valid, even if you don’t fully understand how intense they are. Let them know it’s okay to feel stressed, anxious, or depressed. Their feelings are a normal response to very difficult situations.
For Example: “It makes complete sense that you’d feel this way after what you’ve been through. Anyone in your position would likely feel the same.”
Using “I” Statements: Share your concerns using “I” statements. This avoids sounding like you’re blaming them. Focus on your own feelings and how your partner’s behavior is affecting you.
For Example: Instead of saying, “You’re always so irritable and withdrawn,” try, “I’ve noticed you seem more withdrawn lately, and I’m feeling worried about you. I miss our connection.”

3. Timing and How You Frame It:

How you bring up the topic of mental health is very important. Avoid doing it during high-stress times, like right after a tough shift or during a fight. Frame the conversation as showing you care about their well-being, not criticizing them.

Emphasize Strength: Remind them that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Challenge the idea that needing support is failure, especially in the tough culture of corrections.
For Example: “I see how hard you work and how much you dedicate yourself to your job. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. It’s a sign of strength to prioritize your well-being.”
Focus on Benefits: Highlight how therapy could help, like improving coping skills, reducing stress, better sleep, and stronger relationships.
For Example: “I’ve been reading about how therapy can help people develop better ways to manage stress and cope with difficult situations. I think it could really help you feel more like yourself again.”

4. Dealing with Resistance:

Be ready for your spouse to be resistant or defensive. This often comes from the stigma around mental health, especially in jobs like corrections. They might fear that seeking help will hurt their career, damage their reputation, or make them look weak.

Acknowledge the Stigma: Directly talk about the stigma around mental health. Let your spouse know you understand their worries and that their feelings are okay.
For Example: “I know there’s still a lot of stigma around mental health, especially in your line of work. It’s unfair, but I want you to know that I don’t see it that way. I admire your strength, and seeking help is just another way to show it.”
Reassure Confidentiality: Stress that getting help through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or a private therapist is confidential. Their employer won’t be told unless they give permission, or if there’s a serious risk of harm.
For Example: “EAPs are completely confidential. Your employer won’t know you’re using it unless you choose to tell them. And if you see a therapist outside of work, that information is protected by law.”
Offer Help Finding a Therapist: Helping to find and contact a mental health professional will let your partner take a smaller first step.

5. Avoiding Communication Mistakes:

Some phrases and approaches can hurt trust. Avoid these common mistakes:

Minimizing: Don’t downplay their feelings or suggest they should “get over it.” Phrases like “just snap out of it” are hurtful.
Diagnosing: Don’t try to diagnose your spouse or offer advice on medication or treatment. You’re not a mental health professional.
Ultimatums: Avoid threats like “If you don’t get help, I’m leaving.” This can make them resentful and even more resistant to support.
Blaming: Don’t blame all problems on mental illness. Other factors might also be involved.

6. Getting Professional Help:

If you’re finding it hard to talk to your spouse, or if things are getting worse, think about getting help from a family therapist. A therapist can provide a neutral space for both of you to share your concerns and learn healthier ways to communicate.

Couple in Empathetic Conversation

Resources and Support for Albertan Corrections Workers

Knowing what resources are available is key to supporting a correctional officer’s mental health. There are many support systems, from general mental health services to those specifically for correctional staff. Understanding both national and provincial options is important.

General Resources for Correctional Workers (Across Canada):

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Most employers, including correctional services, offer EAPs. These programs provide confidential counseling and referrals to employees and their families. EAPs usually cover a few sessions with a therapist, and they’re a good first step.
Mental Health Professionals: Therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists who specialize in trauma, PTSD, stress, and work-related stress are available. They can be found in private practice and community mental health centers. Find a professional who understands the challenges faced by correctional workers.
Support Groups: Peer support groups, both online and in-person, offer a safe space for correctional officers to connect with others who understand. Sharing struggles and coping methods with peers can reduce isolation and provide support.

Canada-Specific Resources:

Correctional Service Canada (CSC): The CSC offers different levels of mental health care. This includes primary care (initial assessment and support), intermediate care (more specialized treatment), and intensive care (for complex needs). The CSC website and internal communications should have details on accessing these.
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA): The CMHA is a national organization with branches across Canada. They offer many services, including information, support groups, advocacy, and education. Their website (cmha.ca) is a great resource for finding local services.
Themes: A mental health app created by correctional officers for correctional officers.

Alberta-Specific Resources:

Alberta has a strong network of mental health and addiction services, with programs relevant to correctional officers.

Alberta Corrections Transition Team: This team, part of Alberta Health Services, supports individuals with mental health issues or addictions who are leaving provincial correctional facilities. They provide case management, help with housing, employment, and connecting to community resources. This is especially relevant for officers facing challenges related to work or personal life.
Alberta Health Services: AHS offers mental health services, including crisis lines, counseling, and addiction support. Their website has information on accessing services in different parts of the province. AHS also has a list of transition services.
988: 988 is a new number in Canada that provides a way to get help during a mental health crisis.

Dealing with Barriers:

Even with resources available, some things can prevent correctional officers from seeking help:

Stigma: The stigma around mental health is still a big problem. Many officers fear admitting to a struggle will be seen as weakness, potentially hurting their careers.
Accessibility: Long wait times for services, especially in rural areas, can be a barrier. Cost can also limit access to private therapy.
Confidentiality Concerns: Some officers worry that seeking help through their employer (like an EAP) won’t be truly confidential. They fear information could be shared with supervisors. This fear can be strong in the structured environment of corrections.
Lack of Awareness: Some people may not know about available resources or how to navigate the system.

Addressing these barriers needs a combined approach. This includes public awareness to reduce stigma, more funding for services, better access in rural areas, and clear communication about confidentiality.

Support Network Branches

Legal and Ethical Points: Rights and Responsibilities

In Canada, and Alberta, several legal and ethical rules guide mental health care and workplace practices. These impact both the correctional officer and their spouse.

Duty to Report (Alberta): Alberta’s Workers’ Compensation Act has a “duty to report.” If someone believes a worker (including a correctional officer) has a mental health condition affecting their ability to work safely, they must report it. The Mental Health First Report form (C1392) is on the WCB website, or a report can be made by calling 1-866-922-9221. This is to protect the worker and colleagues, but it can be hard for spouses who hesitate to report their partner. Alberta WCB and mental health care for correctional workers
Confidentiality: Mental health information is protected by privacy laws, like Alberta’s Health Information Act. Mental health professionals can’t share information without consent, except in specific cases. These exceptions involve risk of harm to the person or others, or when required by law.
Workplace Policies: Correctional institutions should have clear policies about mental health disclosures, accommodations, and support for employees. These policies must follow human rights laws, which prevent discrimination based on mental health. Officers can request accommodations, like changed duties or flexible scheduling.
Privacy of Correctional Health Services: Health professionals in correctional facilities don’t share a patient’s information with anyone outside the care team unless Alberta’s laws require it.

It’s important for officers and spouses to know these legal and ethical points. Getting legal advice might be helpful in complex situations.

Real-World Examples (Lessons Learned)

Due to privacy, getting detailed case studies about correctional officer spouses and mental health is hard. But, general lessons can be learned from research on mental health communication in families:

Scenario 1: The Successful Approach

Situation: A correctional officer, after years on the job, starts having more anxiety, nightmares, and trouble sleeping. Their spouse notices and starts a conversation.
Approach: The spouse chooses a quiet time to talk, shares concerns using “I” statements, and listens without judgment. They validate the officer’s feelings and stress that seeking help is strong. They research resources together, including the EAP and a local therapist specializing in trauma.
Outcome: The officer feels understood and supported. They agree to EAP sessions and eventually ongoing therapy. Their symptoms improve, and their relationship strengthens.

Scenario 2: The Missed Opportunity

Situation: A correctional officer becomes withdrawn, irritable, and starts drinking heavily after violent incidents at work. Their spouse gets frustrated, accusing them of being lazy.
Approach: The spouse avoids talking about mental health, focusing on negative behaviors. They give ultimatums and threats, creating a hostile environment.
Outcome: The officer feels more alone and ashamed. They refuse help, and their mental health gets worse. The relationship is damaged.

These scenarios show the importance of empathy, open communication, and support. The successful scenario shows the power of early action and addressing the issue directly. The unsuccessful scenario shows how lack of understanding and communication can make the problem worse.

Steps to Take: A Guide for Spouses

Based on the information above, here are steps for spouses worried about their partner’s mental health:

Start Talking: Don’t wait for a crisis. Use the communication tips above to start a conversation. Choose a comfortable setting, share concerns with empathy and “I” statements, and listen.
Encourage Professional Help: Gently suggest getting help from a therapist, counselor, or the EAP. Offer to help find resources, schedule appointments, and navigate the process.
Explore Resources: Research mental health services through their employer (Correctional Service Canada or Alberta Correctional Services), and community options like the CMHA and Recovery Alberta.
Be Patient and Supportive: Recovery takes time, and there might be setbacks. Be patient, understanding, and offer support. Celebrate small wins and acknowledge their efforts.
Take Care of Yourself: Supporting a loved one with mental health issues is emotionally draining. Prioritize your own well-being. Do self-care activities, seek support from friends/family, or consider therapy for yourself.
Advocate for Change: If you find barriers or gaps in services, advocate for improvements. Contact elected officials, join advocacy groups, or raise awareness about the mental health needs of correctional officers.
Reduce Stigma: Talk about mental health to help make it a normal topic.

By taking these steps, spouses can support the well-being of correctional officers, build healthier relationships, and create a more supportive environment. The challenges are big, but with informed action, positive change is possible.

If you are concerned that your partner is struggling, consider if vicarious trauma and emotional numbing are impacting your family, and reach out to the mental health support systems in your area to gain the support you need to care for yourself and your loved one. Contact Responders First to learn more.

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.