This question crossed my mind, how is the mental health care for CO's? I mean, when they find someone that killed himself, or when they witnessed a killing or something like that, ....I'm quite sure there are CO's that are having a really hard time with this (they aren't all bullies of course). I wonder if there is like a supporting person for CO's also? Because if there's not, that might be one of the reasons why some CO's freak out after a while...

My mother worked as a prison nurse for several years and my brother as a CO for a short time at a prison in south central Tennessee. They had no access to mental health care as far a job related stress. They were expected to just deal with it. I don't know about other prisons, but at that one, the employee turn over rate was extremely high and I believe for two reasons - low wages and high stress.

thanks Danielle. see that's what I mean. How can you expect that someone who works in a prison can automatically 'just deal' with everything?

I suppose it depends on the system.... Here in IL the officers are unionized and have EXCELLENT wages and benefits... I know they have an EAP and have mental health services covered by their insurance... I am sure if they DO utilize these services, they would probably not disclose this to their fellow workers and as most prisons here are in small communities, would be discouraged from seeking them, because particularly within DOC everyone knows your business... and while we all know that these issues SHOULD bother them if they have any kind of humanness, it is the unspoken expectation that it shouldn't.... Just my experiences from having been on both sides of the walls...

Here in Florida all state employees have access to a 800# that is 24 hours a day, in case you need mental health support. I say anyone who works for this state (yes,including me) needs therapy,lol
Time for me to look for a new job.

The prison where my mother and brother worked was a private prison - perhaps that is the difference.

I understand why they get good wages, but it makes me wonder if the money doesn't attract the wrong people. you know, who are only in it for the money and can't care less what happens to the guys?

that is probably the case more often than not.

I THINK A LOT AND MIND YOU I DID NOT SAY "ALL" OF PEOPLE WHO WORK IN LAW ENFORCEMENT HAVE ISSUES WITH CONTROL AND AUTHORITY-I ALSO THINK THE LINE BETWEEN CRIMINLA AND POLICE OFFICER IS SOMETIMES VERY THIN. THERE ARE SOME GOOD, DECENT OFFICERS BUT THERE ARE SOME WHO I THINK GOT INTO LAW ENFORCEMNT FOR THE WRONG REASONS

OH, AND I ALSO THINK ANYONE AND EVERYONE CAN BENIFIT FROM THERAPY. THERE IS NOTHIN WRONG WITH GETTING THERAPY- I HOPE THAT STIGMA IS GOING AWAY-IT IS THE PEOPLE WHO NEED IT AND DONT GET IT THAT WE NEED TO WORRY ABOUT

I totally agree about getting therapy. I spent a long time in therapy trying to deal with issues in my past in order to be happy in the present and not dread the future. Even though it's been a couple of years since I sat in front of a therapist (who I credit with saving my life) I still find myself using his suggestions and techniques to cope with my life today.