A-12 Stress and Burnout in the Correctional Environment (Sat. Jan. 10, 2009 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.)

Burnout and fatigue affect our ability to not only do our jobs effectively but can often determine if we can remain in corrections. Burnout can not only rob us of our sense of happiness but can adversely affect our physical and emotional health and well being. This workshop will concentrate on the recognition of burnout in ourselves and others

Objectives: This workshop will address corrective actions that can be taken; and discuss how to get revitalized and renewed.

Moderator: Deborah Bell, Technical Director, Naval Consolidated Brig-Miramar, San Diego, California

Speakers: Robert D. Jones, M.D, Area Medical Director, Concentra Health System, Phoenix, Arizona

Definition of stress:

A physical, chemical, or emotional reaction in the body.

Discussed some of the stressors associated with Corrections, such as Environment, Prisoners, Legislators, and Economy.

Sources of stress:

• Governmental Administration
  
• Bureaucracy
  
• Budget Cutbacks
  
• Everything is a crisis
  
• Prisoners
  
• Attitudes
  
• Gaming
  
• Demanding

Other sources of stress:

• Family
  
• Children
  
• Money
  
• Marriage 
  
• Community organization
  

Driving can be a major stressor.  Learn to drive less aggressively to reduce stress while driving.  

Two types of stress:

1. Acute – Fight or flight response, such as a job interview
   
2. Chronic – Long-term exposure to stress.  Chronic stress will cause changes in the body that lead to health problems.
   

Stress can be healthy to the point of prompting you to complete tasks that need to be finished.  

Types of symptoms

• Physical 
  
• Mental
  
• Emotional
  
• Social

Blame Game will cause stress.  Confess to wrongdoing to facilitate fixing the problem.

External exasperations

Major life changes

Unpredictable events, etc.

Internal irritations:

• Self-induced:
  
• Fears
  
• Uncertainty
  
• Attitude
  
• Unrealistic expectations
  
• Over-scheduling
  

Job burnout

Burnout is the result of stress at work.

You are likely to experience burnout when you lack a reasonable balance between work and your personal life.

Burnout results from a feeling of a loss of control over your work.

Symptoms of burnout:

• Cynicism
  
• Loss of ability to experience joy
  
• Irritability and loss of patience
  
• Lack of energy

You may need help, if co-workers keep asking you if you’re OK.

If you don’t feel satisfaction from your achievements, you may be burned out.

How to reverse burnout

Try new things in life.  Try new activities that bring you joy.

Blogged By Sgt. Adam Wright, Orange County (FL) Corrections Department