Sensitive Season Calls for Heightened Suicide Prevention Awareness
Holidays can strain emotions of inmates, staff
The next three months can be an especially critical time for correctional facilities. As the holiday season takes hold, so can a flurry of emotions that make the prospect of coping more challenging than usual.
“November, December and January can be difficult times for inmates,” says Dr. John Baxter, CCA mental health director.
With Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s bringing thoughts of special times, friends and family, and fond memories to the forefront, a decline in optimism and personal interaction can result.
“Holidays for anyone can be a stressful time, given all the extra demands we face, such as perceived expectations about giving gifts, planning the perfect meeting for family and friends, and doing things that are not part of our normal routines,” Baxter explains. “For inmates who are already experiencing stresses related to being in a correctional environment, holidays present an extra challenge. They may have thoughts that lead to sadness or regret over being away from or unable to care for their families. Many of the expectations they have during the holiday season may not be met.”
These unmet expectations may include not receiving cards or phone calls from loved ones. Inmates may also anticipate visitors but receive none.
“Generally speaking, some of the trend data shows that the greatest period of risk may not be during the holidays, but shortly afterwards when disappointment may set in,” says Baxter, who has extensive mental health experience in state and federal corrections systems.
Employee vigilance is especially important now. That means keeping solid security and operational practices top of mind, while also paying close attention to individual inmate behavior.
“Our staff should keep an eye out for people who appear depressed. Depression can sometimes be seen in changes in routine. Some people may sleep much more or less than usual,” Baxter advises. “They may have a diminished appetite or no longer choose to do things they used to find enjoyable. For example, if an inmate in segregation starts refusing food trays or no longer comes out for recreation, those should be warning signs that staff follow up on.”
Keys to Successful Suicide Prevention: The Three R’s
• Recognition: Learn to identify suicide warning signs.
• Rescue: Help at-risk inmates get the care they need. Learn CPR and other life-saving measures in the case of an attempt.
• Recovery: Work with inmates to help put them on the right track to a life with hope, where suicide is not an answer.
Visit the Health Services page on MyCCA to access company suicide prevention materials, including brochures, posters and information cards.
By K. Danielle Edwards
Correct Prespectives, November 2009
Sound Out
Linda Sevison at Idaho Correctional Center:
Good information and very timely. Even those of use not directly involved in inmate supervision should be keeping our eyes and ears open to anything out of the ordinary. It's also important to remember that inmates are not the only ones affected by stress. We need to keep alert to any changes in our co-workers as well.