Identifying Correctional Officer Burnout

Gordon Graham here with Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Todays’ tip is for correctional staff but, guess what? It also can apply to all public safety personnel. I am going to talk about burnout and why it is important to understand and recognize its signs and symptoms. This is a big deal, folks.

Early recognition in identifying the onset of burnout symptoms is the key to prevention. Burnout can lead to serious medical and mental health consequences such as depression or even substance abuse.

Some view burnout as a continuum of stressors. My friends in corrections operations have told me how their jobs can become mundane, routine burdensome. Same stuff different day. You know what? Corrections is built upon routines and schedules; it’s the nature of the job. Burnout is the natural result of repetitive stressful routine.

At some point you might start to justify shortcuts, rationalize poor performance, and start to think, “You know what? Let someone else do it. You know what? I am too busy for this. I’ll write that report later on. I don’t need to do a safety check right now.”

Early recognition in identifying the onset of burnout symptoms is the key to prevention. Burnout can lead to serious medical and mental health consequences such as depression or even substance abuse.

You’ve got to do a self-assessment. Are you sleeping okay? Can you focus? Are you excessively irritable, anxious or angry? Are you experiencing physical symptoms? Heart palpitations? Dizziness? Stomach problems? Headaches? Loss of, or increased appetite?

Feelings of helplessness can result when you feel you’re not in control. Control what you can. Take care of your body with exercise and a healthy diet. Get off the couch. Enjoy off-duty leisure activities. Spend time with friends and family outside of work.

You gotta accept that some things are not totally within your control such as workloads, deadlines, insufficient rewards, or lack of support.

And, if you’ve been in the same assignment for a long time why not seek a transfer or maybe a new assignment? Speak to your boss about these new possibilities.

Also, does your department have an employee assistance program? Perhaps you should be talking to someone there. Communication is essential.

Please, please, please, do not become a victim of burnout. Strive for a balance with family and work. Make the best of every day with good mental and physical wellness in mind.

And that’s Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Gordon Graham signing off.

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