Correctional Officers, Stress and Depression

We all have stress in our lives, and some jobs are more stressful than others. There are few jobs, however, as stressful as that of an officer at a federal prison, and that stress can lead to depression. These professionals are working with some of the most dangerous people in society within a bureaucracy that too often puts their health and lives at risk. We know that because we represent employees of federal prisons seeking compensation for work-related injuries.

Not only do these officers need to constantly be on guard to protect their own safety, but also the safety of their coworkers and inmates. All this goes on in a tightly enclosed environment where violent outbursts are all too common.

A recent paper by the Desert Waters Correctional Outreach, a nonprofit organization whose goal is to improve the mental health of corrections professionals, outlined a study of 3,599 corrections employees around the United States.

The organization found that 25.7 percent of corrections professionals reported depression symptoms in the moderate to severe range. According to the study, that rate is nearly three times the estimated rate of depression in the country’s general adult population (9.1 percent) and more than three times the estimated rate for full-time adult workers (7.0 percent).

The study also looked at the incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and researchers found a strong link between it and depression. An estimated 27 percent of those in the study reported symptoms of PTSD and, of those rating as depressed, 67 percent of them were found to show signs of PTSD. Among those who reported PTSD symptoms, 65 percent were also found to be depressed.

The study authors wrote that depression and PTSD increase the risk of suicide. According to the study, the New Jersey Police Suicide Task Force reported in 2009 that for 2003 to 2007, the suicide rate for men aged 25–64 years was 14 per 100,000. For correctional officers it was found to be more than double that, 34.8 per 100,000. Based on analysis of death certificate data from 21 states, one study determined that corrections officers’ risk of suicide was 39 percent higher than that of the rest of all other professions combined.

Contact the Attorneys at Uliase & Uliase

If you are employed at a federal prison and think you may be showing signs of psychological issues because of your job, get professional help and treatment before your situation worsens. We may be able to obtain compensation for work-related psychological problems and help you become healthy again.

At Uliase & Uliase, we have a thorough understanding of the federal workers’ compensation laws. If you have been hurt on the job and want to schedule an appointment, contact our office online or call us at (856) 310-9002. We will meet with you weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. We offer a free consultation for injured workers.