Suicide rates are about 39% higher for corrections workers than for the general population, linked to chronic stress, exposure to violence, and emotional isolation.
Key Challenges in Corrections:
- High occupational stress: Daily exposure to physical, emotional, and mental harm, combined with isolation and long shifts.
- Under-addressed problem: Despite the risk, suicide prevention among correctional officers is often overlooked in training and policy.
- Barriers: Stigma around mental health, lack of time for self-care, limited access to on-site mental health services, and fear of retaliation when reporting distress.
Things You Can Do:
- Look after each other. Reach out to family members, friends, or coworkers who seem to be struggling.
- Check in with yourself. Reach out to others if you are thinking about suicide or developing a suicide plan.
If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or click HERE to chat the 988 Lifeline right away.
In life-threatening situations, call 911.