2 answers
Lanie
Student
Youngstown, Ohio
1
Question
Updated
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How difficult is it to maintain a steady mental health when dealing with such horrific sights in the criminal justice field?
I am a senior in high school looking for more insight on this field of study. I enjoy trying to solve cases and exploring the interesting aspects of criminal studies.
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2 answers
Sasha DaSilva - Stillwagon
Neonatal & Pediatric Critical Care Tranaport
3
Answers
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Updated
Sasha’s Answer
I can’t speak much from the criminal justice side, but as a former paramedic and many years as an ER RN I worked closely with law enforcement on some pretty terrible cases. I not only know PTSD pretty well, I’ve had it myself.
You learn to distance yourself… dark humor is one of the most common ways, compartmentalizing on your tasks and not the person/ persons.
I am a big fan of debriefs after bad situations… they can be difficult to schedule if they don’t happen pretty immediately but I find them profoundly helpful in digesting everything with experienced people who understand what you’re going through because they’ve been there. I also recommend considering seeing a therapist regularly in the beginning to check in on yourself and see how your emotional health is when dealing with this stuff. There are many who have difficulty coping with it and turn to alcohol, promiscuity, chasing adrenaline highs…. You name it. But I think if you’re checking in with yourself emotionally and have a safe space to express yourself you’re on the right track, and run a much lower risk of falling into destructive cooing mechanisms.
This can be pretty disheartening and sometimes awful work, a lot of people walk away because it becomes too much. There’s no shame in that either….. but it’s not all like that There are good stories too, and sometimes, good outcomes. They may not come across your path nearly as much, but hopefully you get enough of them to at least make the bad ones worth it. It like everything else is all about balance. Good luck!
You learn to distance yourself… dark humor is one of the most common ways, compartmentalizing on your tasks and not the person/ persons.
I am a big fan of debriefs after bad situations… they can be difficult to schedule if they don’t happen pretty immediately but I find them profoundly helpful in digesting everything with experienced people who understand what you’re going through because they’ve been there. I also recommend considering seeing a therapist regularly in the beginning to check in on yourself and see how your emotional health is when dealing with this stuff. There are many who have difficulty coping with it and turn to alcohol, promiscuity, chasing adrenaline highs…. You name it. But I think if you’re checking in with yourself emotionally and have a safe space to express yourself you’re on the right track, and run a much lower risk of falling into destructive cooing mechanisms.
This can be pretty disheartening and sometimes awful work, a lot of people walk away because it becomes too much. There’s no shame in that either….. but it’s not all like that There are good stories too, and sometimes, good outcomes. They may not come across your path nearly as much, but hopefully you get enough of them to at least make the bad ones worth it. It like everything else is all about balance. Good luck!
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1185
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Lanie,
This is a really smart question, and honestly, one that more people should ask before stepping into criminal justice or criminology. The truth is: yeah, the industry exposes you to some hard, often horrible things, but that doesn’t automatically mean your mental health is doomed. What matters most is the support structures you develop, the coping strategies you exercise, and how well you understand your own emotional limits.
Successful criminal justice professionals don't do it because they are numb; rather, they do it because they have a strong sense of purpose, professional distance, and effective stress management techniques. Even when the work is demanding, that mix keeps you grounded.
There are a few things to know going in:
1. You build resilience over time: Nobody is "ready" for difficult problems at first. As you get instruction, guidance, and practical experience at a speed that suits your growth, you become more skilled on the job.
2. You're not alone on the job: Good agencies and programs include peer support, debriefing practices, supervision, and team structures—so you’re not bearing the weight of each situation by yourself.
3. Mental health strategies are part of the toolkit: Routines like therapy, writing, physical activity, creative outlets, setting boundaries, and relying on friendships outside of work are essential for people in this area. These are habits that sustain a career; they are not optional.
4. You get to choose your lane: Criminal justice is a vast area. Certain jobs require less direct contact with distressing circumstances, such as forensic analysis, research, or policy work. Some include more, such as front-line investigations. Depending on what you find sustainable, you can align your course.
Is it challenging at times? Definitely. Is it, however, impossible to sustain stable mental health? Not a bit. Many people develop long, fulfilling, and healthy careers in this field with the appropriate planning and boundaries.
Additionally, the fact that you are asking this question now indicates to me that you are already thinking like someone who will be resilient, thoughtful, and intentional, exactly what this sector requires.
Best wishes!
This is a really smart question, and honestly, one that more people should ask before stepping into criminal justice or criminology. The truth is: yeah, the industry exposes you to some hard, often horrible things, but that doesn’t automatically mean your mental health is doomed. What matters most is the support structures you develop, the coping strategies you exercise, and how well you understand your own emotional limits.
Successful criminal justice professionals don't do it because they are numb; rather, they do it because they have a strong sense of purpose, professional distance, and effective stress management techniques. Even when the work is demanding, that mix keeps you grounded.
There are a few things to know going in:
1. You build resilience over time: Nobody is "ready" for difficult problems at first. As you get instruction, guidance, and practical experience at a speed that suits your growth, you become more skilled on the job.
2. You're not alone on the job: Good agencies and programs include peer support, debriefing practices, supervision, and team structures—so you’re not bearing the weight of each situation by yourself.
3. Mental health strategies are part of the toolkit: Routines like therapy, writing, physical activity, creative outlets, setting boundaries, and relying on friendships outside of work are essential for people in this area. These are habits that sustain a career; they are not optional.
4. You get to choose your lane: Criminal justice is a vast area. Certain jobs require less direct contact with distressing circumstances, such as forensic analysis, research, or policy work. Some include more, such as front-line investigations. Depending on what you find sustainable, you can align your course.
Is it challenging at times? Definitely. Is it, however, impossible to sustain stable mental health? Not a bit. Many people develop long, fulfilling, and healthy careers in this field with the appropriate planning and boundaries.
Additionally, the fact that you are asking this question now indicates to me that you are already thinking like someone who will be resilient, thoughtful, and intentional, exactly what this sector requires.
Best wishes!