The Cost of Caring: Burnout in Public Safety Personnel

Burnout among public safety professionals, like corrections officer Mike, is a growing crisis marked by emotional exhaustion, detachment, and a loss of purpose, driven by chronic stress, understaffing, and the emotional toll of their work.

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"Mike, a corrections officer, sits in his car outside the facility for the third time this week, staring at the entrance with a growing sense of dread. His body aches from yet another double shift, and his stomach turns at the thought of stepping back into the noise, tension, and constant hypervigilance. He used to feel proud of his role—keeping people safe, making a difference—but now, it’s hard to feel anything at all. He’s having trouble sleeping through the night, he feels more irritable, and can’t remember the last time he laughed at work. He tells himself to push through, but in the back of his mind, a quiet voice is asking: how much longer can I do this?"

A 2023 study of 1,101 Public Safety Personnel (PSP) found that as many as 40% are experiencing burnout whilst on the job. So, what is burnout and why is it so prevalent amongst those working in the public service?

Definition of Burnout

Burnout is a serious response to ongoing, unmanaged stress at work. It’s more than just feeling tired, it can leave you emotionally drained, detached or cynical about your job, and feeling like your work doesn’t really make a difference. Burnout isn’t a sign of laziness or weakness. It can make even the most committed professionals feel hopeless, struggle to meet daily demands, and question the value of what they do. There are three main signs of burnout: exhaustion, a sense of reduced effectiveness, and depersonalization. When people experience depersonalization, they feel disconnected from themselves, those around them, or the environment they work in. Burnout doesn’t just affect individuals, it can also hurt teams and organizations, leading to more sick days, higher turnover, reduced job performance, poor decision-making, and a greater chance of mistakes or accidents.

“You can’t pour from an empty cup.”

What Does Burnout Feel and Look Like?

Days off don't feel restful: You look forward to your time off, but it doesn’t recharge you. You still feel drained or anxious even after a full day of “rest.”

Kindness turns into irritability: You notice yourself snapping more easily, feeling impatient, or shutting down emotionally, even toward people you care about.

You begin to question whether your work matters: The sense of purpose that once motivated you begins to fade. You feel detached or cynical about the value of what you do.

Your body stays tense even at rest: Stress may live in your shoulders, stomach, or jaw. You feel constantly "on edge," even during quiet moments.

You feel emotionally numb: Especially common among PSP, emotional detachment becomes a coping strategy. You go through the motions but feel disconnected inside.

Sleep doesn't bring relief: Despite getting enough hours, you still wake up tired or groggy. You dread the day ahead before it even begins.

You begin withdrawing from others: Socializing feels like effort. You avoid deeper conversations, cancel plans, or isolate more than usual.

The signs and symptoms of burnout don’t always appear all at once, it creeps in gradually. Many of these signs can mimic anxiety or depression, making it hard to spot. But taken together, they’re a signal that your mental and emotional resources are running low, and something needs to change.

Why Burnout Happens in Public Safety

Burnout in public safety roles, such as healthcare, corrections, social work, and emergency response often stems from the intense emotional and structural pressures integrated into these professions. The recent COVID-19 pandemic drastically intensified this strain, as frontline workers faced a surge in demand, insufficient resources, and personal health risks. On top of the pandemic, political and civil unrest and economic challenges have only stretched these workforces thinner. Many public safety professionals report doing the work of two or more people due to chronic understaffing. The result is an unsustainable workload paired with limited recovery time, creating a perfect storm for exhaustion, disengagement, and emotional collapse.

However, what makes burnout especially complex in public safety isn't just the volume of work, it’s also the emotional labor and moral responsibility of the job. Professionals are expected to show empathy, absorb the trauma of those they serve, and maintain composure under pressure. Over time, this emotional and psychological labor, without the proper space and resources to recharge, can lead to vicarious trauma and a sense of detachment. Many also experience moral distress: the pain of wanting to help but being blocked by systemic barriers. A culture of “always be selfless” and/or “always be strong” reinforces the idea that asking for help or setting boundaries is weakness. This leads to what some call “toxic resilience” a mindset where workers take pride in enduring harsh conditions, rather than challenging them. In this environment, burnout isn’t just likely, it’s almost inevitable without meaningful support and systemic change.

Four Practical Tips for Coping with Burnout

If you’re feeling the effects of burnout, you’re not alone. Recognizing the signs is the first step in protecting your well-being and ensuring a sustainable career in public safety: Here are four actionable steps you can take to address burnout:

1. Acknowledge it without shame
Recognize that you're burned out, not weak or failing. Burnout is a response to chronic stress, not a personal flaw. Acknowledging it is the first and most important step toward healing.

2. Set boundaries (even small ones)
Start protecting your time and energy. Say no when you can, take real breaks if possible (even short ones) and take meaningful time off if you can (time spent resting and recharging). Small boundaries help create breathing space for recovery.

3. Talk to someone you trust (and seek professional help)
Don’t isolate yourself. It’s important to reach out for support, whether it’s a colleague, a friend, or a professional like a therapist or counselor. Talking openly can alleviate stress and provide a sense of connection. Seeking professional help can offer you the tools to manage burnout more effectively and give you a safe space to process your feelings.

4. Focus on restorative self-care
Prioritize simple, consistent actions that help you recharge. Sleep regularly, eat well, move your body gently, and do one thing each day that brings you calm or joy. You don’t need a perfect routine, just something that helps you feel a little more connected.

More Resources:

Preventing burnout - Canada.ca / Centre of Expertise on Mental Health in the Workplace - Canada.ca

Canadian Mental Health Association - National l A Mental Health Charity

References List

Bagherian, S., & Hosseini, M. (2019). Impact of burnout on job performance, absenteeism, and turnover intention in healthcare employees. Journal of Healthcare Management, 34(2), 12-20. https://doi.org/10.1097/JHM-D-18-00075

Bethea, L. M., Jones, S. H., & McNabb, B. (2020). The consequences of burnout in public service sectors: A review of literature on performance and safety. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 45(3), 25-39. https://doi.org/10.1002/job.2419

Maslach, C., Schaufeli, W. B., & Leiter, M. P. (2001). Job burnout. Annual Review of Psychology, 52(1), 397-422. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.psych.52.1.397

Moriano, J. A., Rodríguez, M. A., & Schaufeli, W. B. (2021). The role of emotional labor in burnout: A study among public service professionals. International Journal of Stress Management, 28(1), 15-28. https://doi.org/10.1037/str0000196

Pike, C. R., Jenson, M. W., & Smith, R. (2023). Burnout among first responders: Prevalence and contributing factors in 2023. Public Service Psychology Journal, 21(4), 215-230. https://doi.org/10.1037/psp0000279

Vaes, J., & Muratore, A. (2013). Subtle dehumanization and burnout in healthcare workers: The role of compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma. Psychology and Health, 28(12), 1398-1411. https://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2013.811018