CPSS 430 Wk 2 Discussion

You have 4 Discussion Question options this week – please pick one and answer it in a minimum of 175 words:

Option 1:

According to our text, “An increasing number of mental health professionals are being trained by agencies such as the American Red Cross and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and are “on call” to respond to disasters as varied as the attacks of September 11, 2001, school shootings, fires, explosions, and natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina that leave many people traumatized. DMH workers work under extraordinary conditions and face numerous challenges when ordinary boundaries do not exist. A DMH worker typically has no office or designated private space and is often called upon to perform in multiple roles.” Why do you think these specialty areas carry their own unique set of boundary issues and challenges? 

Option 2:

Compassion fatigue is an occupational hazard, which means that almost everyone who cares about their patients/clients will eventually develop a certain amount of it, to varying degrees of severity. Compassion Fatigue has been described as the “cost of caring” for others in emotional and physical pain. (Figley, 1982) It is characterized by deep physical and emotional exhaustion and a pronounced change in the helper’s ability to feel empathy for their patients, their loved ones and their co-workers. Discuss some of the signs and symptoms of compassion fatigue.

Option 3:

Much like Compassion Fatigue, Corrections fatigue is also an occupational hazard for that most everyone will experience at some point in their careers. Describe Corrections Fatigue in your own words.

Option 4:

After reading the article, what are your thoughts regarding the impact trauma exposure has on corrections professionals? What were some of the ways the article proposed for addressing these issues and/or reducing the rate of exposure to trauma?

 Reply to at least 2 of your classmates. Be constructive and professional in your responses. Responses must be a minimum of 100 words.