The Mental Health of Prison Professionals

Correctional professionals experience significant rates of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and professional burnout due to the inherent stress of working in correctional facilities. In an already terrible position, correctional staff confronted an unparalleled set of obstacles. Studies assessing successful therapies for the psychological effects of working in correctional institutions are very rare. Mental health and well-being Reducing occupational risk factors, creating a good work environment, enhancing mental health literacy, recognizing and treating mental health concerns, and increasing mental well-being are all important components of interventions for correctional staff. The workforce is the foundation of the criminal justice system, and a functioning system depends critically on the mental health and general well-being of its employees.

Mental Health issues of prison staff

• Jail employees have a challenging job performing day-to-day management activities within the complex organizational framework of the jail. Prisons are frequently harsh and demanding working environments for all staff levels.
• Promoting the general well-being and mental health of prison personnel as well as the mental health of inmates should be one of the main goals of effective prison administration.
• Due to the growing diversity of the prison population, staff members are under greater pressure to provide a wide range of services and programs, which can lead to stress among them.
• Over time, the strain that prison personnel face can have a negative impact on their health, increasing the likelihood of mental health and medical disorders such as depression, substance misuse, divorce, and suicide.

Also Read: Unpacking the insights of a prisoned life: A psychological interpretation

Signs of mental health issues in the workplace

• Lack of attendance / Absence during working hours
• Decreased output and performance at work
• Presence of restlessness or tiredness during work • Modifications in interactions with colleagues.
• Sudden mood swings, fits of rage, sobbing fits, passivity, and passive-aggression
• Arriving at work under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Reduced capacity for everyday activities and physical ability

Who would recognize these problems with mental health?

• Burnette et al. (2015) proposed the Gatekeeper paradigm. People who are already in place and in close communication with the jail personnel are known as gatekeepers.
• The current pool of prison guards, administrators, and healthcare professionals might be used to identify these gatekeepers (GPAHG: Gatekeepers- Prison Administrators, Healthcare workers and Guards).
• They want to receive training so they can recognize and assist their coworkers who require psychological assistance.
• The gatekeeper can help people who are experiencing psychological issues or who are in danger of self-harm by acting as a link between them and the appropriate professional services.

This is especially helpful for suicidal inmates who are in danger.

3 Fundamentals of psychological first aid ( PFA )

These are the three pillars of psychological first aid: LOOK, LISTEN, and LINK.

• Look: Search for the people who are seeking assistance.
• Listen: Pay attention to their worries.
• Link: Help them by providing information about the possibilities available.

Construct backup plans for the possible challenges that can occur

Also Read: Why are Prisons turning into places with Dark Secrets?

Sources of stress for prison employees

1. Safety concerns while dealing with violence in prisons

2. Challenges in the operation of prisons

3. Personal issues with a family that require immediate attention

4. Apprehension about suspension during mismanagement or any leaking of information regarding any prisoner

5. Monetary issues: Receiving less income with a heavy workload

• Overcrowded, understaffed, and under-resourced facilities, as well as among employees who feel underappreciated and ignored, are additional risk factors for staff mental illness.
• Management has to acknowledge the critical role that prison employees play and put policies in place to safeguard and enhance their health and well-being.
• Managing grief: Loved ones may pass away. Incapacity to attend funerals at this time, remorse over not being able to help those who have died from the virus, etc., might result in mental health problems.

When should one need to consult a psychiatrist?

• If family members or coworkers witness someone being strangely distrustful of others, hearing voices, or seeing visions, these things might point to a mental disorder.
• If an individual has a history of drug abuse that has substantially become worse since COVID-19, including withdrawal symptoms (such as trembling in the hands in alcohol users)
• Existence of a pre-existing mental disease or a worsening of the mental ailment
• If there is a major and ongoing attempt at suicide or suicidal thoughts
• When a mental health issue poses a danger of damage to other people

Techniques for promoting mental health

1. Prison staff members’ awareness of mental health

• Through the planning of stress management seminars, awareness courses, and other events, administrators and supervisors should PROMOTE awareness about mental health and stress.
• Team meetings may also be utilized to talk about typical mental health problems (stress, burnout, anxiety, fear, etc.) that result from working in challenging environments, as well as easy psychological “self-care” techniques.
• Make sure there is a defined procedure for treating and diagnosing jail personnel. This will assist in preventing ambiguity or confusion.

Also Read: What is Stockholm Syndrome?

2. Communication

• Excellent correspondence with precise revisions of information
• Consistent team gatherings, even if they are short. This promotes “bonding” and facilitates the resolution of problems that can arise from working under pressure.
• Adopting a grievance procedure
• Maintaining compliance with State Government regulations, which are subject to periodic revision based on circumstances.

3. Workplace arrangements:

The modifications listed below can be beneficial.

• Rotating staff from high-stress positions to low-stress jobs and vice versa
• Make sure juniors with less experience collaborate with older colleagues by mixing and matching them.
• Holidays and duty breaks must be decided upon by the team and, to the greatest extent feasible, observed.
• Prioritize the long term and make sure employees receive sufficient training to equip them for a range of positions.

4. Support during times of distress

• Permitting team members to have a “debrief” in the case of a fatality and encouraging them to express their emotions—such as remorse, fury, etc.
• Whenever feasible, provide personnel with a flexible work schedule.
• Establishing the ‘Buddy System’. Tagging a coworker or pal who is experiencing mental health problems will assist in managing these problems. I’ll discuss confidentiality maintenance to a friend.
• In periods of high stress, more help must be given to employees who already have mental health conditions.

Additional step for mental health wellness

1. Self-care:

Activities that support our emotional, physical, relational, spiritual, and religious well-being are all considered forms of self-care.

• Establish a proper schedule
• Ensure to get enough rest.
• Make sure to take short breaks throughout work.
• Religious or spiritual pursuits (if inclined)
• Remain in contact with family and friends
• Maintain a good diet and engage in regular exercise.
• Engage in hobbies and activities that are not connected to your job
• Engage in calming activities such as yoga
• Allocate time for your family and yourself.

2. Buddy system at the workplace:

It is a method where two people are partnered together at work. Mixing individuals with varying degrees of training, experience, and competency is advantageous. Its applications include the following:

• Ensure that you follow all safety protocols of the place
• Keep transfer of knowledge with each other and learning instructions
• Boost self-assurance and keep motivating each other
• Minimize solitude, particularly for those who are weak.
• Talk about distressing matters with your colleagues to avoid being depressed and try to learn how one can do better in dire situations

Also Read: The Psychology Behind Power

3. If they do not want to discuss, do not compel, instead try to:

• Reassure: Give reassurance that their family and/or children are receiving assistance (Assure the same)
• Routine: Ask them to concentrate on maintaining their own routine while in isolation.
• Exercise: Encourage people to engage in physical activity.
• Reliable: Promote the use of only trustworthy sources for information (ICMR, the Indian government, and state governments).

There is a significant prevalence of psychological problems among healthcare professionals working in penitentiary environments. Compared to other healthcare professionals working in non-correctional environments, this population may face particular risks, difficulties, and protective factors. For correctional professionals to receive effective treatments, it is imperative that these aspects be understood.