Psychological Impact of Imprisonment - The Way Forward
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately one in four individuals worldwide is affected by mental health illnesses.
Furthermore, global estimates suggest that one in nine prisoners experience a mental disorder, with depression being the most prevalent condition.
Some researchers posit that imprisonment can be a significant source of mental health issues, impacting cognition, behavior, and leading to severe depression.
Incarceration is a profoundly traumatic experience that significantly elevates the susceptibility of inmates to various mental health conditions, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance and alcohol disorders, and infectious diseases. Several factors contribute to this vulnerability. These include the lingering memories of illegal acts, which evoke feelings of guilt and remorse, inadequate living conditions, a sense of hopelessness, the loss of personal freedom and privacy, the incidence of prison violence, loneliness, social isolation, limited or diminished access to mental health services, substance abuse, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), overcrowding, chronic health challenges, and a family history of mental illness.
The Path Forward:
1. Psychosocial Awareness and Support:
Implement psychosocial awareness programs, engagements, and support for both staff and inmates. This approach will enhance staff-inmate relationships, foster a more understanding, accommodating, compassionate, and healthy environment.
2. Rehabilitation measures implemented following sentence completion aimed at assisting individuals in developing robust and confident interpersonal connections with others and society, thereby preventing relapse into depression.
3. Expanded access to mental health care services to the inmates through the utilization of CBT counselors and community resources such as NGOs.
4. Psychoeducation to equip individuals with effective coping strategies and stress management techniques for various mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, vulnerabilities, PTSD, and others.
5. Establishing and fostering psychoeducational groups that will assist in maintaining and augmenting coping mechanisms for improved living and overall well-being.
6. Regular check-ins and support from family members, loved ones, and faith-based organizations through visitations, letters, and calls are essential. This will help maintain their optimism and contribute to their holistic well-being, as it remains a collaborative effort in addressing their psychological concerns.
Addressing unhealthy feelings and behaviors for improved mental health.
1. Constant feelings of guilt, resentment, and other negative emotions.
#Demonstrate self-compassion by extending forgiveness to yourself and reframing those negative emotions.
2. Having a sense of hopelessness.
#You must remain optimistic and hopeful as long as you have life. There is still light in the end of every dark tunnel.
3. Living in self and social isolation.
#Real human interaction and connection are essential for combating loneliness, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
4. Drug and substance abuse.
#Refrain from recreational and compulsive substance and drug use to safeguard your physical and overall well-being, thereby preventing the development of addictions or even life-threatening consequences like brain damage.
5. Dwelling in your unpleasant past.
#Release the burden of your past and concentrate on the present. Identify areas for improvement or alternative actions.
6. Lack of setting healthy boundaries.
#Begin declining commitments, affiliations, or activities that compromise your overall well-being and personal development.
7. Not taking care of the brain.
#Cultivate Brain Health through Various Lifestyle Practices.
Engage in activities that support brain health, including reading, meditation, regular exercise, mindfulness practices, and maintaining a balanced diet.
8. Unhealthy lifestyles / habits
#Maintain personal cleanliness and hygiene practices to prevent the transmission of infections, communicable diseases, and other physical health concerns.
9. Negative self-talk.
#Refrain from self-deprecating language to avoid developing low self-esteem, which can lead to overwhelming negative emotions, suicidal ideation, intricate stressors, and hinder the ability to seek assistance or effectively address challenges.
10. Lack of physical activity
#Commence an exercise regimen or engage in physical activities to enhance your mood, alleviate anxiety, depression, and overall well-being.
The writer, Mrs Uzoamaka Nwachukwu is the Co-Founder of Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation. She is an Ex-Intelligence Officer, Administrative Assistant, Child Psychologist, Microbiologist, Grief & Bereavement counsellor, Depression counsellor, Emotional Intelligence Life coach, Psychotherapist, EMDR therapist, CBT Life coach.