Wellness for Your Life
At IDOC, we know wellness goes beyond physical health — it includes your growth, security, and sense of purpose. Explore these IDOC Wellness Resources to strengthen your resilience, care for your loved ones, and build balance year-round.
If You Need Help Right Now
When you are not sure who to call or where to start, this section lays out your main options in one place. This section provides who to contact right away if you are feeling suicidal, who to call if you need to talk today, and where to reach out if you want support soon but are not in crisis.
| If you are feeling suicidal: | If you need to talk to someone today: | If you need to talk to someone, but it can wait a bit: |
|---|---|---|
If you are about to act on suicidal thoughts, or you do not feel you can stay safe:
Trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 and can help you stay safe and get through the moment. |
| If you know you need to talk, but you are not in crisis right now: Call the Optum Employee Assistance Program (EAP). EAP can:
You can also:
|
How You Can Help
Suicide prevention in corrections is a shared responsibility. The following sections explain how you can help, with practical steps you can take for yourself, for coworkers, and as a supervisor when something feels wrong.
- How to Help: Responding for Yourself
How to Help: Responding for Yourself
It is normal for correctional work to leave a mark. Feeling more on edge, more tired, or less like yourself over time does not mean you are broken. It means the load is heavy. What matters now is taking steps to deal with it safely and not waiting until a crisis.
If you recognize warning signs in yourself, changes in mood, sleep, drinking, anger, or thoughts about death, there are concrete steps you can take. These steps are evidence-backed from researchers at the Suicide Prevention Research Center, Desert Waters Correctional Outreach, and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Step One: Notice and name what is going on
Pay attention to patterns, not just bad days. It’s normal to have days when you feel emotionally down. What matters is the pattern over time. If you feel down for days at a time and can’t find the motivation to do activities you usually enjoy, please get in touch with the Optum Employee Assistance Program by calling 1‑800‑886‑9747, or see your healthcare provider.
Ask yourself:
- “Have I been more irritable, numb, or hopeless than usual?”
- “Am I drinking or using more to get through the week?”
- “Have I thought that people would be better off without me, or that I don’t care if I wake up?”
Simply putting this into words (“I’m not okay right now”) is a powerful first step.
Step Two: Talk to at least one trusted person
Pick someone you trust: a partner, friend, coworker, peer supporter, chaplain, or supervisor.
Be as direct as you can:
- “I’m not doing well. I’ve been thinking some dark thoughts.”
- “I don’t want to scare you, but I need to tell someone I’ve had thoughts of not wanting to be here.”
You do not need to have all the answers. You only need to let someone in.
Step Three: Use the resources that are there for you
The Optum EAP is a free service for all full-time state employees and those in their household and can be a beneficial tool to improve your overall well-being. You have 8 free face-to-face EAP counseling visits with a licensed therapist available per issue, per year. These tools and resources are available 24/7 and are completely confidential.
988 is the nationwide Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can call or text 988 any time to reach trained counselors for confidential emotional support if you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, feeling overwhelmed, or in crisis.
Step Four: Make a simple safety plan
Everyone deserves support and a clear path through the rough spots. A simple safety plan builds on your own strengths and resources. You can put one together, with a clinician or a trusted person, and it can include:
- Signs that help you notice early when your stress is starting to climb.
- Coping steps you know can help you ride out a tough wave (walk, music, breathing, stepping away from the unit for a few minutes if possible, calling someone).
- People and places that help you feel steadier and more connected.
- Professionals and services you can reach out to for extra backup (EAP, clinician, 988, local mental health services).
Research supports creating a brief, written safety plan as an effective suicide‑prevention tool. Safety plans were first tested mainly in clinical settings, but their core steps are simple enough that people can also make them on their own or with a trusted person when professional help is not immediately available. A self‑guided safety plan is not a replacement for treatment, but it can reduce risk and help someone get through a crisis until they can connect to more support.
- How to Help: Responding to Coworkers and as a Supervisor
How to Help: Responding to Coworkers and as a Supervisor
Coworkers and supervisors are often the first to see when something is off. You do not have to be a mental health professional to make a difference. You only need to notice, ask, and help connect the person to support.
When you are concerned about a coworker When you are a supervisor
If you find yourself thinking “They’re not acting like themselves” for more than a day or two, pay attention.
Think about what has changed:
- Mood (more withdrawn, angry, or down).
- Habits (more drinking, more call‑outs, late arrivals).
- Work (more mistakes, not caring about safety, conflicts with others).
- Life events (recent separation, loss, discipline, investigation, critical incident).
Start a simple, private conversation. Find a place with some privacy: after shift, or on the phone.
You might say:
- I’ve noticed you seem really stressed and not yourself lately. How are you really doing?”
- “You’ve had a lot going on. I’m concerned about you.”
- “I care about you and I’m not here to judge. I just want to make sure you’re okay.”
Just hearing them out without interrupting or minimizing helps.
You can ask directly about suicide if you’re worried. If what you hear or see makes you think they might be at risk, it is okay to ask:
- “Sometimes when people feel this overwhelmed, they think about killing themselves. Have you been having thoughts like that?”
- “Have things gotten so bad that you’ve thought about not wanting to be here, or about ending your life?”
Remember: research shows that asking this question does not put the idea in their head. If they say yes:
- Stay calm.
- Thank them for being honest.
You can say something like:
- “I’m really glad you told me. I don’t want you to go through this alone. Let’s figure out who we can loop in to help keep you safe.”
- “I won’t spread this around, but I also care about you too much to keep this just between us if you’re in danger. Let’s talk about who we can bring in to help.”
Help them connect to support.
- Walking with them to talk to a supervisor, wellness champion, or chaplain they trust.
- Encouraging them to contact Optum EAP or 988 and offering to sit with them while they call.
In corrections, supervisors are often the bridge between stressed staff and the supports that really help. This section explains how to watch for patterns, making it safe to talk, knowing your resources and supports, and encouraging intentional follow-ups.
Watch for patterns, not just rule violations.
When you see:
- Sudden changes in attendance, performance, or behavior.
- Strong reactions around discipline, internal investigations, or critical incidents.
- Staff who have recently lost a coworker, family member, or person in custody to suicide.
Treat these as risk flags, not management issues.
Make it safe to talk. You can:
Check in privately:
- “I’ve noticed some changes and I’m concerned. How are you holding up?”
- Make it clear that you are asking as a person and a leader, not just as “the boss.”
Normalize seeking help:
- “This work hits all of us in different ways. Using EAP or talking to someone is part of staying fit for duty, not a mark against you.”
Know your resources. Supervisors should know:
- How to connect staff to EAP, or 988.
- Know who your site’s Wellness Champion is.
- Agency procedures for immediate risk.
- Options for temporary changes in assignment or schedule when someone is in obvious distress.
Intentional follow-up matters. If someone has:
- Been involved in a critical incident.
- Been disciplined or is under investigation.
- Experienced a known major loss (relationship, death, legal issue).
- Returned to work after a suicide attempt or leave.
Plan at least one intentional check‑in after the initial event, and again later. Research shows that many people struggle more in the weeks and months after the crisis, not just in the first few days.
Noticing changes, asking honest questions, listening without judgment, and helping connect people to support are the core of suicide prevention.
Support for Families and Loved Ones
Suicide risk and severe stress do not only affect correctional professionals. They also affect partners, children, parents, close friends, and chosen family. Families are often the first to notice changes, and they carry a heavy load when someone they care about is hurting. This section offers practical guidance for families and loved ones of correctional staff based on research from the Suicide Prevention Research Center, the 988 Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline, the American Foundation Suicide Prevention and research on correctional officers and suicide.
- Noticing when something is wrong
Noticing when something is wrong
It is normal for this work to spill over into home life. What you are watching for is change over time, not just a bad day.
You may notice that your loved one:
- Seems more on edge, angry, or withdrawn than usual.
- Starts to drink more, especially alone or to “wind down” after every shift.
- Has trouble sleeping, wakes up a lot, or sleeps far more than before.
- Talks less, laughs less, or seems “checked out” around family.
- Talks about work as if it is “doing time” and there is nothing else in their life.
- Makes comments like “I’m done,” “I can’t do this anymore,” or “Everyone would be better off without me.”
If you see several of these changes building over days or weeks, it is important to pay attention.
- How to start a conversation
How to start a conversation
Keep in mind, you do not need perfect words. The goal is to show you care and are willing to listen.
You might say:
- “I’ve noticed you seem different lately, more quiet and on edge, and I’m worried about you.”
- “You’ve had a lot on your plate with work and everything else. How are you really doing?”
- “I care about you, and I’m not here to judge. I just want to understand what this has been like for you.”
Let them talk without rushing to fix it or downplay it. You can reflect back what you hear:
- “It sounds like you’re exhausted and feel stuck.”
- “It makes sense you would feel that way with everything you’re dealing with.”
If you are concerned that they might be thinking about suicide, it is okay to ask directly:
- “Sometimes when people feel this overwhelmed, they think about ending their life. Has that been happening for you?”
- “Have things gotten so bad that you’ve thought about hurting yourself or not wanting to be alive anymore?”
Remember, research shows that asking this does not put the idea in their head.
- Helping Them Connect to Support
Helping Them Connect to Support
If your loved one says they are struggling, or if you are still concerned even after talking, support them in getting help. You can:
Encourage them to talk with:
- A trusted coworker or supervisor
- A counselor, therapist, or doctor
Offer to:
- Sit with them while they call EAP or a clinician.
- Be with them while they call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).
- Help them make or update a simple safety plan (who to call, what helps, how to make the home safer during a crisis).
If they refuse help, you can still say:
“I hear that you don’t want to talk to anyone now. I care about you too much to ignore this. I’m going to keep checking in, and if I believe you’re in danger, I may need to reach out for extra help.”
- When Immediate Help Is Needed
When Immediate Help Is Needed
Call 988 right away if:
- Your loved one talks about a plan to kill themselves.
- They say they cannot stay safe, even for a short time.
- They are acting confused, very agitated, or out of touch with reality.
If you are not sure, it is safer to call and ask than to wait and hope it passes.
- Taking Care of Yourself as a Family Member
Taking Care of Yourself as a Family Member
Caring about someone who works in corrections often means living with a mix of emotions. You may feel proud of the work they do, worried about what they see on the job, and tired from carrying that concern over time. Looking after your own well‑being is not selfish. It is what allows you to keep showing up with patience, steadiness, and care.
You can:
- Talk with your own doctor, counselor, or support group about what you are going through. If you live in the same household as a State of Indiana employee, you also qualify for Optum Employee Assistance Program benefits.
- Reach out to family or friends who can listen and help with practical things like childcare, meals, or transportation.
- Learn the basic warning signs and crisis options (including 988) so you are not carrying everything alone in your head.
It is important to remember: You did not cause your loved one’s distress, and you cannot fix it all by yourself. Noticing changes, asking hard questions, and helping them connect to support are powerful, life‑saving actions. It is also okay, and important, for you to get help for yourself along the way.
Suicide Prevention Resources
When stress, trauma, or worry start to build, you do not have to figure it out alone. These IDOC and State of Indiana resources are here to support you and your family.
- Optum Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Optum Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The Optum Employee Assistance Program offers free, confidential support for IDOC staff and household members.
- Short‑term counseling for stress, grief, relationship concerns, and more
- 24/7 phone support and crisis help
- Referrals to local providers and community resources
Call 1‑800‑886‑9747 or visit the Optum EAP website for more information on services available to you.
- IDOC Staff Wellness Portal
IDOC Staff Wellness Portal
The IDOC Staff Wellness Portal is your one place to find IDOC wellness tools, guides, and trainings, including:
- Mental health and suicide prevention resources
- Financial wellness tools and retirement planning support
- Guides for families, caregivers, and veterans
- Links to benefits, Employee Assistance, and state wellness programs
- IDOC Wellness Champions
IDOC Wellness Champions
Wellness Champions are IDOC staff who serve as local connectors for wellness resources at each facility and parole district.
- Help you navigate available wellness and mental health supports
- Share IDOC campaigns, trainings, and local events
- Offer encouragement and help you find the right next step
You can find the Wellness Champion for your site through the Staff Wellness Portal or from your site leadership.
- Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team
Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team
The CISM Team provides peer‑based support for staff who have experienced high‑stress or traumatic events on or off the job.
- Peer listeners who understand corrections work and its impact
- Support after incidents such as assaults, deaths, major disturbances, or other critical events
- Not a replacement for therapy, but a safe first step to talk with someone who “gets it”
To learn more or request support, connect with your facility’s CISM coordinator or talk with your leadership team.
- Video Resources
Video Resources
In addition to these IDOC and state resources, it can be helpful to hear directly from other corrections professionals about what this work feels like and how they care for their mental health. Axon’s Correctional Wellness Video Catalog offers short, real‑world stories and practical strategies from staff, leaders, and clinicians who understand the culture of corrections.
You can explore topics like trauma, resiliency, peer support, building wellness programs, and supporting families at https://www.axon.com/aid/wellness/video-catalog
- Suicide Prevention + Crisis Support
Suicide Prevention + Crisis Support
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide and seeking emotional support, there are crisis lines available via phone, chat, or text:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Crisis Text line: Text IN to 741741 for free, 24/7 crisis counseling. We’re here for you.
- Trevor Project Lifeline (confidential suicide hotline for LGBTQ+ youth): 866-488-7386
- TrevorChat
- TrevorText: Text START to 678-678.
- Veterans Crisis Line (for military service members, veterans, and family): Call 800-273-8255 and press 1
- Text 838255
- Support for deaf and hard of hearing: 800-799-4889
- Homeless Veterans Chat
- Youthline
- Understanding Suicide Prevention
Understanding Suicide Prevention
Action Steps for talking about Suicide Prevention: Learn how to ask, keep others safe, be there, help others connect, and stay connected to resources.
988 Factsheet: Learn more about suicide prevention, and 988, the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Indiana Suicide Prevention: Learn more about suicide prevention, including information for parents, teens, and veterans.
Terms to Know: Learn more about terms that are commonly used when talking about suicide prevention.
Protective + Risk Factors: Learn more about the many factors that can reduce the risk for suicide, and understand how suicide is rarely caused by a single circumstance.
- IDOC Talk Saves Lives: Suicide Prevention Training
IDOC Talk Saves Lives: Suicide Prevention Training
The Suicide Prevention Talk Saves Lives training led by the Indiana Department of Correction prepares staff to work in a correctional setting while providing the skills and knowledge needed for staff to be able to recognize the risk factors, warning signs, and situations that could indicate suicidal ideations or behaviors. In addition, staff are educated on how to identify referral services and referral procedures, how to access crisis services, and how to utilize the Human Resources flow for emergency situations.
Suicide Prevention Talk Saves Lives training is mandatory for all new employee training programs and is included in annual in-service eLearning. For more information on how you can get involved and become a Suicide Prevention Talk Saves Lives instructor or to schedule a facilitated Suicide Prevention Talk Saves Lives for your agency, division, or department, please reach out to your facility's Regional Training Manager.
- Additional Mental Health Resources
Additional Mental Health Resources
211: Local Indiana Resources
Agency HR Team: contacts vary by facility
Employee Relations Team: 1-855-773-4647, Option 4
Benefits Department: 317-232-1167 or 1-877-248-0007
Optum Employee Assistance Program: https://www.liveandworkwell.com/en/public
Self-Care by AbleTo: https://www.investinyourhealthindiana.com/employee-assistance-program/
LiveHealth Online: https://livehealthonline.com/
NAMI Indiana: https://www.namiindiana.org/
Eight Dimensions of Wellness
When we think of wellness typically, physical health is the first to come to mind. But there are eight Dimensions of Wellness that help make up our overall health: physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, occupational, financial, and environmental. The dimensions are interconnected and build on one another. For example, when we worry about money (financial), we sometimes experience anxiety (emotional). This can lead to medical problems (physical), and trouble at work (occupational). It is important that we are aware of each dimension of wellness and focus intentionally on how we can improve or maintain each dimension.
Discover your Wellness Wheel
We all have a unique wellness wheel, some of ours may be more balanced than others. Use this online wellness wheel assessment to get a better picture of what your wellness wheel looks like!
Once you identify which dimension(s) requires a little extra love, the information below will direct you to resources to get started on your wellness journey!
Financial Wellness Resources
Financial Fitness empowers IDOC staff with practical tools and knowledge to reduce financial stress, build healthy money habits, and plan for long-term goals. This initiative covers everything from budgeting and daily expenses to long-term financial planning and retirement strategies. With a variety of events and resources at your fingertips, you can start enhancing your financial well-being today!
- Budgeting & Everyday Resouces
Budgeting and Everyday Spending Resources
Two-Week Spending Journal
To cut down your budget, keep a two-week journal of all your spending, from your morning coffee to late-night snacks. This helps you understand your spending habits and distinguish between wants and needs.
52 Week Savings Challenge
One of the best ways to kick off your savings is with the 52 Week Savings Challenge. Download a copy of this document and cross off an amount every week. By the end of one year, you’ll have $1,000 saved to put in your emergency fund. Then, continue the challenge and add money to your other savings accounts in future years.
HoosierSTART Create A Budget
Create a solid financial foundation with HoosierSTART’s budgeting PDF! This resource provides step-by-step guidance on tracking your income and expenses, setting realistic financial goals, and organizing your budget for effective money management.
Budget Reviews
Available in-person or virtually. We'll review your current budget or help you craft a new one —specifically designed with you in mind.
- Debt and Credit Made Simple
Debt and Credit Made Simple Resources
Expert Tips from Elements Financial to Understand & Improve Your Credit Score
What most people don’t realize is that credit mistakes can be fixed with only a small amount of time and effort. You can even start this process on your own today. In this article, you will find Element’s expert advice on repairing your credit so that you can achieve financial freedom.
Learn more from Elements Financial about what goes into determining your credit score.
Learn How to Improve Your Credit Score
The Many Sides of Debt and How to Repay It
Expert Tips from Elements Financial: Establishing some level of debt is usually necessary in life. Borrowing money wisely and affordably can help you acquire large-ticket items when you don’t have enough cash to pay for them. We’re talking about homes and vehicles, mostly – not necessarily jumbo flatscreen TVs and JetSkis.
Learn More About Repayment Tips
Credit Reviews
Available in-person or virtually. Let our credit experts help you understand the information on your credit report, look for ways to increase your overall credit score, and help identify ways to use credit to improve your financial life.
- Retirement & Long-Term Planning Resources
Retirement & Long-Term Planning Resources
Meet with HoosierSTART Specialists
Whether you have questions about your long-term financial plan or what steps to take now, Nationwide can help you stay on track to reach your retirement goals. In just a few clicks, you can quickly reserve a time to speak with a Nationwide representative to get the Staff Wellness Portal Resources 2 help and information you need.
HoosierSTART Income & Retirement Planner
Designed with your planning needs in mind, My Income & Retirement Planner makes it easy to get started while offering the flexibility to customize and adapt to your evolving financial needs. Whether you’re just starting your retirement journey or have more complex planning requirements, this online planning proves a streamlined experience to help you make informed decisions about your future.
- Get your Chance of success score to track your likelihood of achieving your retirement goals
- Download your personalized Readiness Report
- Estimate your health care costs and other retirement expenses
- Explore common “what-if” scenarios to see how they impact your Chance of success score
- Review and compare withdrawal strategies
Go to Income & Retirement Planner
Learn About Retirement from HoosierSTART
Access articles, videos and webinars that can help you learn more about getting retirement ready.
Meet with INPRS Specialists
Virtual appointments can be booked with any staff member in any region. Please choose a date and time that is most convenient for you. Individual appointments are available for members who are retiring soon, new employees who need additional plan information, and those who would like to discuss their specific situation regarding their retirement plan.
INPRS Investing 101
If you think investing is confusing, you're not alone. Get a crash course in investing your INPRS defined contribution (DC) account, and educational info about investment terms and concepts to help you plan for your retirement future with your INPRS account and any other retirement savings you may have. This tool will help you find out which investment Staff Wellness Portal Resources 3 portfolio you may want to choose to reach your financial goals.
Learn About Retirement from INPRS
Access articles and fact sheets that can help you learn more about getting retirement ready.
Using and Saving Your Health Savings Account (HSA) Dollars
Making the most of your health savings account (HSA) means finding the right balance of saving and spending that works for you and your family right now and when life changes.
Learn How Get the Most of Your HSA
Top Questions about Health Savings Accounts
These are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about health savings accounts (HSAs).
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) provides another opportunity for you to better control your health care dollars. By tucking away pre-tax dollars from your paycheck, you have an account that is dedicated to the reimbursement of qualified medical, vision, and dental expenses.
Wealth Management Reviews
Available in-person or virtually. Whether you are a seasoned investor or just looking to get started, it’s a great time to schedule a 30- minute complimentary consultation with Elements Wealth Management.
Indiana Department of Correction