Even though funeral directors deal with death all day, everyday, they are people, too. This is what often leads them to suffer from depression and isolation (most funeral directors do), but thats okay because every true life passion has a bad side to it.

How stressful is being a funeral director?

They note that they spend only about 15 percent of their time with the bodies; the rest is spent with the living, either counseling the bereaved, organizing the funeral, or performing administrative duties. And this work, too, is highly stressful; like doctors, funeral directors are on call 24 hours a day.

Is working in a funeral home depressing?

People in the funeral industry can report high levels of stress and anxiety similar to caregivers. Its known as compassion fatigue. Occupational Hazard is a series about how different jobs affect workers mental health.

Do funeral directors get PTSD?

While it is prevalent in those professions, PTSD among funeral professionals often gets overlooked and undiagnosed. For her research project, McClanahan interviewed 333 mortuary workers who identified that they were actively working in the profession.

How do funeral directors deal with death?

“Funeral directors handle the paperwork involved with the persons death, including submitting papers to state authorities so that a formal death certificate may be issued and copies distributed to the heirs,” according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Are funeral directors in demand?

Employment of funeral directors and morticians is projected to grow 5 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Demand for funeral service workers will stem from deaths in the aging population. In addition, a growing number of baby boomers prearrange their end-of-life services.

Are morticians traumatized?

Occupational Risk of Secondary Traumatic Stress Mortuary workers may be exposed to trauma directly through body handling and preparation; however, they may also face additional work stressors in their dealings with the bereaved.

Do morgue workers get PTSD?

Numerous descriptive as well as prospective studies have indicated that mortuary workers, body handlers, and those tasked to work with human remains are at risk for symptoms related to post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychological sequelae.

How much does a mortician make in a year?

Average salary for morticians Since the death care services industry is a challenging one to work in, most morticians earn a comfortable salary. The average salary for this position across the U.S. is $59,777 per year.

How much does a mortician make?

Average salary for morticians Since the death care services industry is a challenging one to work in, most morticians earn a comfortable salary. The average salary for this position across the U.S. is $59,777 per year.

How do you work at a funeral home?

An associates degree in funeral service or mortuary science is the typical education requirement for funeral service workers. Most employers require applicants to be 21 years old, have 2 years of formal education, have supervised training, and pass a state licensing exam.

Why do morticians put hair in the mouth?

Their hair is combed and cream is placed on their face to prevent skin dehydration. The deceased is then covered and will remain in the preparation room until they are dressed, cosmetized and ready to be placed into a casket for viewing. Typically the viewing takes place a few days after death.