Editor’s note: In a profession that rarely slows down, carving out time to read, reflect and talk with others can be a powerful way to recharge. The Corrections1 Book Club series is about more than reviewing titles — it’s about starting conversations that help us think differently, share experiences and support each other through the challenges of the job. Each selection will include reviews, excerpts and discussion questions to guide meaningful conversations in your facility or among peers. What book should we read next? Share your ideas in the comments or email editor@corrections1.com.
Book: “Stressed Out: Strategies for Living and Working in Corrections” (Third Edition)
Author: Gary F. Cornelius
Order: Available on Amazon.
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear “I’ve got your back”? I’ve asked this of hundreds of cadets during in-service training and at the Corrections Academy over the years, and the first — often singular — answer is in the realm of a use-of-force situation: “When the fight comes, I’ve got your back.”
In other words, if the situation goes south, I’ll do everything I can so we both go home at the end of the shift. It makes sense. After all, it’s a ready answer and one we’re conditioned for, given the environment we work in. But is it more?
In his book “Stressed Out: Strategies for Living and Working in Corrections,” author Gary F. Cornelius pulls back the curtain on what many in a vastly misunderstood profession are beginning to understand: the importance of recognizing and addressing the mental health and self-care of our corrections professionals. Expanding on the previous two editions, this third edition brings readers to a high level of understanding through the many roles and experiences of the author’s vast career — and his lifelong dedication to the men and women within the profession.
A practical, lesson-based guide to wellness
Unfolding in the style of a lesson plan, each chapter begins with bullet points outlining what the reader or learner should understand upon completion. This is the setup.
Broken down throughout each chapter are well-explained and identifiable concepts that build upon a solid foundation. Well-documented statistical analysis and research bring excellent points of reference that, coupled with Cornelius’s descriptive narrative, make the book both educational and engaging.
Throughout, readers will find strategies for recognizing and managing stress, supported by evidence-based guidance and a strong focus on awareness and resilience. Each chapter ends with a summary, giving the reader an opportunity to reflect on what has been learned.
A sampling of chapters includes:
- Stress: A part of life. The first chapter defines stress and challenges the misconception that all stress is negative. By outlining the symptoms that occur in both the short and long term, Cornelius explains the body’s “fight or flight” response and its physical and mental effects.
- Burnout. The second chapter identifies the signs of burnout and takes the reader through its five stages: honeymoon, fuel shortage, chronic symptoms, crisis and hitting the wall. Cornelius highlights the behavioral changes many experience during burnout, from substance abuse to complacency, and underscores the importance of strong support networks and healthy coping techniques.
Toward the end of the book, the appendices provide practical guidance for maintaining overall physical and mental health — from healthy eating and exercise to positive coping methods. While many of these concepts may sound familiar, the author’s approach is uniquely specific to corrections professionals.
A companion teacher’s manual mirrors this structure, taking instructors through a clear, layered path that deepens understanding and enhances curriculum development around staff self-care.
Expanding the definition of support in corrections
As our profession evolves, having each other’s “back” must be more than joining a buddy in the fight. It means supporting each other not only when things are going bad, but also when they’re going smoothly. It means listening, paying attention and recognizing when one of us is exhibiting a change in behavior that may indicate distress — and having the courage to act on it.
For decades, we’ve been trained to do this for the inmate population. This book gives us the roadmap to do the same for ourselves and our peers — going beyond “going home at the end of the shift” to “being in a good place mentally” when we get there.
I recommend “Stressed Out” to anyone working in corrections, and especially to trainers seeking to create or expand curriculum around staff self-care.
Book club discussion questions
Use these prompts to start your next team or book club discussion.
- Cornelius reframes “I’ve got your back” to include mental and emotional support. How does that definition show up — or fall short — in your facility’s culture?
- Which chapter or example resonated most with your own experiences managing stress or burnout on the job?
- If you were to bring one idea from “Stressed Out” into your next staff meeting or training, what would it be — and why?
Have a book you think every corrections professional should read? Tell us what’s on your shelf — we might feature it in an upcoming review. Share below.