Written by Rachel Gerow. PTSD in correctional settings can look different from the stereotypes we often imagine, and the impact on staff can be both profound and long-term.
When we talk about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), many people picture soldiers or first responders. But trauma doesn’t only happen in the line of duty – and the effects of ongoing exposure to stress, conflict, and human suffering can impact anyone working in environments where safety and compassion are constantly in tension.
Recently, I had the opportunity to speak at a correctional centre about PTSD – what it is, how it can show up, and some ways people can find support and understanding for their experiences.
What Stood Out Most
What stayed with me most from that visit was the openness and honesty of the staff. Many staff described experiences consistent with PTSD in correctional settings, reflecting the emotional toll of long-term exposure to stress and vigilance. Their reflections were thoughtful and deeply human – and they underscored an important point: trauma exposure isn’t always about a single event. Sometimes it builds quietly over time, in places where vigilance and alertness become part of daily survival.
What is PTSD?
PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing trauma. Common symptoms include:
- Re-experiencing memories or nightmares
- Avoidance of reminders of the trauma
- Emotional numbing or detachment
- Feeling “on edge” or easily startled
- Negative shifts in mood and beliefs about oneself or the world
These responses are understandable reactions to overwhelming experiences. While living with these symptoms can be challenging, there are ways to better understand them and gradually find strategies to feel steadier, more connected, and more in control.
Approaches That Can Support People with PTSD
Evidence-based therapies for PTSD include:
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) – helps to identify and shift unhelpful beliefs related to trauma.
- Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) – supports people in gradually and safely facing reminders of trauma.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – helps the brain process traumatic memories in a different way.
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) – teaches skills for managing intense emotions and reducing distressing patterns.
Even when formal therapy isn’t easily accessible, there are meaningful ways to begin supporting oneself – through connection with others, moments of reflection, and small acts of self-care and compassion.
When Support Feels Hard to Access
What stood out was the honesty with which people described the challenges of reaching out for support – whether because of limited benefits, waitlists, or the understandable hesitation that can come with asking for help. These challenges are real and valid.
If you see yourself in any of this, it’s important to know that your reactions and experiences make sense, and that support can take many forms. Sometimes it begins with a conversation, a pause to notice how you’re feeling, or reaching out to someone you trust.
Closing Thoughts
It was an honour to spend time with staff who show up every day to do incredibly demanding and meaningful work. The conversation reminded me that experiencing the effects of trauma doesn’t mean someone is “broken” – it’s a natural response to complex situations. Taking steps to understand and care for oneself, even in small ways, can help staff feel more grounded, supported, and connected in their work and in their lives.