Title: The Long-Term Effects of Incarceration on Inmates
Headings: The Long-Term Effects of Incarceration on Inmates
The Long-Term Effects of Incarceration on Inmates
Regaining Autonomy and Self-Reliance
Suspicion, Distrust and Emotional Detachment
Isolation
PTSD and Self-Care

Content: Suspicion, Distrust and Emotional Detachment
In order to avoid trouble in prison, inmates often have to appear as if they have “the potential for violence,” so that they won’t be harassed or taken advantage of by other prisoners. Fear of being attacked or exploited instills a general distrust within inmates, a trait that they can become so accustomed to that it prevents them from developing trusting relationships with people behind and outside bars. Additionally, as part of an inmate’s way of protecting themselves, they may tune out their emotions in order to prevent reactions that could cause them to look weak to other prisoners. Isolation
Sometimes the best way to stay safe behind bars is to withdraw from other prisoners. Inmates who engage in this method of self-preservation are reported to display extremely similar behavior as those who are clinically depressed: lethargy, flatness, limited behavior, etc. The inability to trust people around them combined with the behavioral effects of self-isolation can severely prevent former inmates from ascending beyond their imprisonment and adjusting to a lifestyle outside of jail. PTSD and Self-Care
Post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety are often cited as possible psychological consequences for long-term inmates, which can easily overwhelm inmates during their sentence and after their release. Especially since the prison system lacks “genuine respect and regard for [inmates’] well-being,” prisoners are subject to emotional episodes that they cannot control or move on from easily, and the absence of care for these ailments inhibits inmates from learning how to deal with these emotions. Tags: