Incarcerated Adults: Their Mental Health Struggles
Incarceration is a profoundly complex issue that extends beyond the mere confines of physical imprisonment. Behind bars, many incarcerated adults grapple with mental health issues, which creates a silent crisis within the criminal justice system. Hence, mental health issues must be addressed and managed to help them reintegrate into society.
The Prevalence of Mental Health Issues among Incarcerated Adults
Mental health problems among incarcerated adults are pervasive and multifaceted. Various factors, including prior trauma, chemical dependency, and socioeconomic disadvantages, contribute to the high prevalence of mental health issues within the prison population.
Studies indicate that many incarcerated individuals suffer from depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and bipolar disorder.
In addition, many individuals within the prison system are struggling with co-occurring disorders. This means that they can develop mental health issues along with chemical dependency. Furthermore, co-occurring disorders are often challenging to deal with. Without proper support and enough resources, they are difficult to manage within the confines of prison. As a result, the number of prisoners with co-occurring disorders significantly increased.
Common Mental Health Issues Among Incarcerated Adults
Incarceration, often perceived as a means of ensuring societal safety and justice, can have profound and lasting consequences for the mental health of individuals subjected to it. The punitive nature of incarceration is meant to deter criminal behavior but the psychological toll it takes on prisoners is immense.
Loss of Identity
One of the primary psychological consequences of incarceration is the dehumanization of individuals. In prison, individuals often lose their identity and are mere numbers or labels. Because they are stripped of their freedoms, they struggle to maintain a positive self-image, which leads to feelings of worthlessness and despair. This loss of identity impacts their mental health and eventually fosters a sense of hopelessness and helplessness.
Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Incarceration is rife with traumatic experiences, including violence, mistreatment, and witnessing distressing events. Such experiences can lead to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD manifests through flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety, and can persist long after release, which makes reintegration into society challenging. This trauma eventually hampers emotional well-being and disrupts the ability to form healthy relationships.
Isolation and Loneliness
Prison environments often involve long periods of isolation with limited social interactions. Prolonged isolation can lead to intense feelings of loneliness and social disconnectedness. Humans are social beings and when they lack social contact, it can lead to depression and anxiety. Inmates, deprived of meaningful social relationships, struggle with emotional regulation, exacerbating existing mental health conditions or triggering new ones.
Discrimination against Incarcerated Adults
Incarcerated individuals also face significant social stigma and discrimination upon release. This societal rejection can profoundly impact self-esteem and mental well-being. Discrimination in employment, housing, and social relationships often leads to chronic stress. With the kind of experience they had, they are more susceptible to developing mental health issues. It generally hinders the process of rehabilitation and reintegration.
Limited Access to Mental Health Care
Mental health care is crucial for incarcerated individuals. Prisons often lack adequate resources and trained professionals to address inmates’ complex mental health needs. When there is limited access to mental health services many prisoners will not receive the necessary support and therapy, which leads to unaddressed mental health issues that worsen over time.
Mental Health Care for Incarcerated Adults
Providing mental health care to incarcerated adults is critical to the criminal justice system. Addressing mental health issues among prisoners promotes their well-being and contributes to safer prison environments and better prospects for reintegration into society upon release. Here are several ways to improve mental health care for incarcerated adults:
Comprehensive Mental Health Assessments
Conducting comprehensive mental health assessments should be a priority to identify prisoners with mental health disorders. These assessments, performed by trained professionals, help in understanding the specific needs of each individual. By tailoring mental health interventions based on these assessments, incarcerated adults receive personalized care, addressing their unique mental health challenges.
Access to Qualified Mental Health Professionals
Having a team of qualified mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, and social workers, within correctional facilities is crucial. These licensed professionals have the expertise and knowledge to diagnose and treat various mental health conditions. Moreover, these experts provide regular counseling sessions and therapy to create a supportive environment where prisoners can address their emotional and psychological issues.
Mental Health Treatment Plans for Incarcerated Adults
Developing individualized mental health treatment plans is vital. These plans should be based on the assessments and focus on evidence-based therapies, oral treatment management, and counseling. A tailored approach ensures that the specific needs of each incarcerated adult are met, increasing the effectiveness of mental health interventions.
Crisis Intervention Training for Staff
Correctional officers and staff should undergo crisis intervention training (CIT). CIT equips them with the skills to de-escalate crises involving prisoners with mental health issues. Providing staff with the tools to handle challenging situations also reduces the likelihood of incidents that could exacerbate mental health problems, creating a safer environment for everyone.
Trauma-Informed Care
Implementing trauma-informed care practices acknowledges the prevalence of trauma among incarcerated individuals. Trauma-informed care emphasizes understanding the impact of trauma and creating a safe, non-retraumatizing environment. By recognizing and addressing trauma, mental health care becomes more compassionate and compelling, aiding in healing.
Vocational and Educational Programs
Offering vocational and educational programs within correctional facilities provides valuable skills and acts as a form of mental stimulation and purpose. Engaging in such programs helps boost self-esteem and provides a sense of accomplishment, positively impacting mental well-being. Furthermore, education and skills training make it easier for them to reintegrate into society upon release successfully.
Peer Support and Community Building
Establishing peer support programs allows incarcerated adults to connect with others who have faced similar challenges. Peer support fosters a sense of community and belonging, reducing feelings of isolation. Additionally, inmates supporting one another can share coping strategies and provide emotional encouragement, contributing to improved mental health outcomes.
Transition and Aftercare Services
Transition and aftercare services are also important aspects crucial for individuals reintegrating into society after incarceration. These services may include access to community mental health resources, counseling, and support with housing and employment. A seamless transition ensures that the progress made in prison continues, reducing the risk of relapse and promoting long-term mental health stability.
Reminder
The mental health struggles of incarcerated adults highlight the pressing need for reform within the criminal justice system. They may be in prison, but their mental health should still be a priority. Mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or trauma are not easily managed without oral treatments or therapy. Incarcerated adults should also be given proper care and treatment.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health issues like depression or anxiety, you can visit Mindshift Psychological Services. Learn more about their treatment programs on their website. Contact them at (714) 584-9700 to schedule an appointment.
