RESOURCES AND TOOLS FOR MENTAL HEALTH

We often talk about the disturbing numbers of people with mental health disorders locked up in prisons and jails. But less attention is paid to how incarceration perpetuates this problem by creating and worsening symptoms of mental illness. Research shows that, while it varies from person to person, incarceration is linked to mood disorders, including major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder.

The carceral environment can inherently damage mental health by removing people from society and eliminating meaning and purpose from their lives. On top of that, the appalling conditions common in prisons and jails — such as overcrowding, solitary confinement, and routine exposure to violence — can have further negative effects. Researchers have even theorized that incarceration can lead to “Post-Incarceration Syndrome,” a syndrome similar to PTSD, meaning that even after serving their official sentences, many people continue to suffer the mental effects.

When discussing mental health, we discuss “a person’s condition about their psychological and emotional well-being.” Our mental health influences how we think, feel, and behave daily. It also affects our ability to handle stress, face and overcomes challenges, maintain and build relationships, and recover from difficulties and setbacks.

This list includes several small but impactful ways to gain awareness, causes, and partial things you can do to improve your daily mental health. It is most important to remember that treatment is effective. People who get appropriate care can recover from mental illness and lead full, productive, and rewarding lives.

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“I would like to thank you for writing your book. I feel so lost, and as I was praying, the Lord led me to do research, and I came across your book and your Facebook group. I’m fasting and seeking God for wisdom on how to move forward, and I believe your book answers my prayers I now understand the struggles and behaviors, and I now know how to pray moving forward. Thank You so much for your ministry.”  ~Grace

“This book is so real and helpful. I have worked with people in the prison system for 15 years now. I have seen the effects incarceration tends to have on these men and women and their loved ones, but I never understood it until this book. This book has truly opened my eyes and helped me by giving me the tools needed to help individuals be more successful in their lives when they are released. I am very thankful for this book.” ~Tieela

“This book has helped open my eyes to some things I’d never thought of before, and I am so grateful to have come across it right before my loved one came home. It helped me to have patience and understanding that I wouldn’t have otherwise had. I can’t thank you enough for using your experience and voice to help us and our loved ones overcome these obstacles and have our best chance at living our best life!!” ~Katherine

“I love this book!!! More than anything, I appreciate the real rawness of it! There wasn’t any sugarcoating. I learned a lot from this book and feel better prepared for my loved one coming home! ” ~Stevonna