"We must be mentally strong": exploring barriers to mental health in correctional services.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The inherent nature of work in correctional services can have negative effects on correctional worker mental health and well-being. Methods: The current study, a replication, analyzes survey data collected from provincial and territorial correctional workers staffed in six regions across Canada (n = 192). Specifically, participants were asked at the end of an extensive mental health and well-being survey an open-ended question requesting any additional feedback or information. Results: Four predominant themes were identified in the data (1) stigma pertaining to a need to recognize mental health concerns within correctional services; (2) the idea that correctional services wear on the mind and body; (3) a need for better relationships with and support from correctional supervisors, upper management, and ministerial leadership; and (4) suggestions to improve correctional services to help the sector realize its full potential and maximize workplace health. Discussion: We discuss the implications of these findings, with an emphasis on finding ways to promote positive organizational and cultural change in correctional services.