HOW PRISON CHANGE PEOPLE
Seek To Understand, Not To Deny – Prison Has Side-Effects
Longer and harsher prison sentences can mean that system-impact citizens’ personalities will be changed in ways that make their reintegration difficult. Day after day, year after year, imagine having no space to call your own, no choice over who to be with, what to eat, or where to go. There is threat and suspicion everywhere. Love or even a gentle touch can be difficult to find. You are separated from family and friends.
For many, if they are going to cope, confined to that environment, they have no option but to change and adapt. What happens when they come home?
Leaving prison is far more complex than simply walking out the gates and returning to your previous life. Many find that their jobs are gone, relationships have been strained or broken, and their living situations have drastically changed. You might lack a social network, financial support, insurance, and the resources needed to secure employment, find housing, access therapy, or reconnect with your community.
Upon release, system-impacted individuals often face significant psychological challenges, including stigma, discrimination, isolation, and instability. These challenges can lead to serious consequences, such as broken relationships, homelessness, substance abuse, recidivism, overdose, and even suicide.
Prison often traumatizes those who are already among society’s most vulnerable. In many cases, the impact of incarceration extends to the entire family, leaving them deeply affected, if not metaphorically imprisoned themselves. Without a robust support system and the necessary resources to reintegrate, recently
Regardless of your circumstances, transitioning to life after prison is challenging and demands continuous support.
Recently released individuals often struggle with several common mental health conditions, including:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Post-Incarceration Syndrome (PICS)
- Substance abuse
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Mani
Incarceration significantly alters family dynamics, making it challenging for those impacted by the system to reconnect with their loved ones. Intimate relationships often face additional hardships, such as an increased risk of divorce.
Even if a relationship endures incarceration, the dynamic is likely to change. They might struggle to find their place within the family, navigate the introduction of new people into their lives, or establish new expectations. They may also feel pressure to secure a job and provide for their family, but the lack of resources, education, or skills can create strain on the relationship, leading to added stress and anxiety.
Policy changes, criminal justice reform, and reentry programs are essential to helping recently released individuals stay out of prison and maintain their mental health, while also ensuring they have access to the necessary services.
The shift from incarceration to rehabilitation requires continuous effort at the national, state, and local levels. Although many service providers already offer housing, work-release programs, and case management in halfway houses, there is a need for closer collaboration between the healthcare and prison systems to better support those affected by incarceration. Unlike many other countries, our prison system tends to be more punitive and less focused on mental health and rehabilitation.
A Word From The Founder Of Wife After Prison
Without legislative reform, federal initiatives, or criminal justice interventions, countless individuals are released each year without the proper care they need. This neglect worsens existing mental health issues, increases the likelihood of recidivism, and places many system-impacted citizens at significant risk.
Recently released individuals face numerous challenges, including gaps in treatment, lack of support, stigma, and difficult life circumstances. To help them succeed, we must not isolate them from the community. When these individuals are supported and integrated into society, they are more likely to contribute positively and less likely to re-offend. It’s also crucial to facilitate their participation in community activities that encourage healthy behaviors.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, substance abuse, or suicidal thoughts after being released from prison, reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on available support and treatment options in your area.
Reentry won’t be easy, but you can thrive outside of prison. Don’t be afraid to ask for support, whether seeking professional health or support groups. Utilize social services in your area and take full advantage of halfway houses, rehabilitation services, and job training classes, among other programs. Whatever you do, don’t isolate yourself. There can be no rehabilitation without socialization. Welcome home!