Tuesday, August 16, 2005
What is Corrections Fatigue™?
© Caterina Spinaris, 2004
Corrections fatigue™ is a term I coined to describe the cumulative impact of workplace stress on corrections staff. Engineers speak of a phenomenon that occurs with metal. A perfectly good piece of metal, when stressed or bent repeatedly, eventually becomes pliable, weaker, "fatigued." Metal fatigue can happen to even the strongest of stock, and the changes that occur go all the way down to the molecular level. When metal becomes fatigued even a bridge can collapse.Similarly, the cumulative stresses of a correctional officer’s work experience are a perfect setup for corrections fatigue. Corrections fatigue amounts to the gradual wear-and-tear of the body, soul and spirit of correctional officers.During an officer’s shift safety and logistical concerns are ever-present and of paramount importance. Workplace politics may create tension among staff. And corrections officers might witness or experience gruesome assaults, often more than once. There is little time to deal with the emotional impact of high-intensity workplace events. Thoughts and feelings usually remain unprocessed, "stuffed." Over time they add up to be a formidable burden.When the impact of work-related stress reaches a critical mass, the tell-tale cracks of corrections fatigue become evident.
Destructive changes occur in the way officers view themselves, other people and life in general. Self-defeating patterns set in regarding how to take care of themselves and how to handle challenges. Anger, anxiety, and depression get entrenched as the officers’ dominant emotional states. Substance abuse and a multitude of other escapist behaviors become a way of life for some. (How do you spell relief?) High turnover, poor physical and mental health, divorce, and alarming suicide rates are not far behind.
The impact of corrections fatigue does not remain confined to staff alone. It eventually "spreads" to their loved ones, also affecting their worldview and their relationships. Left unaddressed, corrections fatigue wreaks havoc on the professional and personal lives of staff and their loved ones.
Sounds grim, doesn’t it? There is good news though. Corrections fatigue can be countered and even prevented.
Below are some ideas for overcoming the toxic influence of corrections work stress. In a nutshell, pursue a meaningful and love-filled life outside of work. Then aim to bring those attitudes back into the workplace. Compulsive and addictive "fixes" on the other hand will bankrupt you, as they always take much more than they give.
ABCD’S OF COPING
Acquire skills to handle your anger, fear and frustration skillfully, and to relate to others effectively.
Balance demands with downtime. Make sure you have a life outside of work. Playtime, relaxation, time outdoors, and laughter are essential. Sufficient sleep, exercise, and good nutrition are also a must.
Connect with loved ones. Research has shown that strong relationships and community ties help absorb the impact of traumatic experiences. Love is the greatest "refueling" and healing source there is.
Discipline yourself daily to make it all happen. Old habits are tenacious. Lasting improvements require motivation and focused effort.
Corrections fatigue™ is a term I coined to describe the cumulative impact of workplace stress on corrections staff. Engineers speak of a phenomenon that occurs with metal. A perfectly good piece of metal, when stressed or bent repeatedly, eventually becomes pliable, weaker, "fatigued." Metal fatigue can happen to even the strongest of stock, and the changes that occur go all the way down to the molecular level. When metal becomes fatigued even a bridge can collapse.Similarly, the cumulative stresses of a correctional officer’s work experience are a perfect setup for corrections fatigue. Corrections fatigue amounts to the gradual wear-and-tear of the body, soul and spirit of correctional officers.During an officer’s shift safety and logistical concerns are ever-present and of paramount importance. Workplace politics may create tension among staff. And corrections officers might witness or experience gruesome assaults, often more than once. There is little time to deal with the emotional impact of high-intensity workplace events. Thoughts and feelings usually remain unprocessed, "stuffed." Over time they add up to be a formidable burden.When the impact of work-related stress reaches a critical mass, the tell-tale cracks of corrections fatigue become evident.
Destructive changes occur in the way officers view themselves, other people and life in general. Self-defeating patterns set in regarding how to take care of themselves and how to handle challenges. Anger, anxiety, and depression get entrenched as the officers’ dominant emotional states. Substance abuse and a multitude of other escapist behaviors become a way of life for some. (How do you spell relief?) High turnover, poor physical and mental health, divorce, and alarming suicide rates are not far behind.
The impact of corrections fatigue does not remain confined to staff alone. It eventually "spreads" to their loved ones, also affecting their worldview and their relationships. Left unaddressed, corrections fatigue wreaks havoc on the professional and personal lives of staff and their loved ones.
Sounds grim, doesn’t it? There is good news though. Corrections fatigue can be countered and even prevented.
Below are some ideas for overcoming the toxic influence of corrections work stress. In a nutshell, pursue a meaningful and love-filled life outside of work. Then aim to bring those attitudes back into the workplace. Compulsive and addictive "fixes" on the other hand will bankrupt you, as they always take much more than they give.
ABCD’S OF COPING
Acquire skills to handle your anger, fear and frustration skillfully, and to relate to others effectively.
Balance demands with downtime. Make sure you have a life outside of work. Playtime, relaxation, time outdoors, and laughter are essential. Sufficient sleep, exercise, and good nutrition are also a must.
Connect with loved ones. Research has shown that strong relationships and community ties help absorb the impact of traumatic experiences. Love is the greatest "refueling" and healing source there is.
Discipline yourself daily to make it all happen. Old habits are tenacious. Lasting improvements require motivation and focused effort.
