Mental Health in Prisons
The American prison population is filled with inmates suffering from mental illnesses, and American prisons only aggravate and cause such health conditions. 43 percent of people in state prisons have been diagnosed with a mental disorder and 66% of people in federal prisons reported not receiving any mental health care. Jails in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York hold more mentally ill inmates than any psychiatric hospital in the US, and there are nearly 10 times the number of patients with mental health conditions behind bars than in hospitals.
Inmates with mental health conditions are also more likely to stay in prison for a longer amount of time. In Florida’s Orange County Jail, the average stay for mentally ill inmates is double that of other inmates. This is due to the fact that mentally ill patients have a harder time following the rules as they are twice as likely to be charged with facility rule violations.
Incarceration perpetuates and worsens the symptoms of mental health by depressive, mood, and bipolar disorders. Eliminating those from society and their lives and loved ones and placing them in horrid prison conditions causes and furthers mental health conditions. Even after release, the formerly incarcerated suffer from “Post-Incarceration Syndrome” similar to PTSD that affects them for the rest of their lives. Incarceration disconnects people from their loved ones. Studies found that people incarcerated more than 50 miles from home were much more likely to experience depression. This is especially difficult for parents to be separated from their children. In prison, there are atypical patterns and norms of living and interacting with others. Incarcerated individuals have little control over their daily lives and what they can wear, eat, do, etc. Not having control over one's lives and surroundings leads to helplessness and depression. This lack of mental stimulation and normal activities leads to stress, anger, and frustration.
Prison conditions such as overcrowding, lack of privacy, segregation, and violence have negative health effects. Overcrowding which occurs at most prisons can have detrimental effects as it means more time in cells and less opportunities for healthcare and work programming. Prisons' punitive and hostile environment is depressing for inmates as they are treated less than and cannot make positive social relationships. Solitary confinement is also common of mentally ill prisoners, which only aggravates mental health problems. Depriving these inmates of many social interactions, which is essential to human nature, causes them great physical and emotional pain. People in solitary confinement are much more likely to develop psychiatric disorders. Prisons and jails are also extremely violent and often inmates go through physical and verbal abuse by correctional officers, causing emotional distress. Exposure to this violence causes anxiety, depression, flashbacks, and Post-Incarceration Syndrome.
Substance abuse often occurs alongside mental health issues, which are common in incarcerated individuals. Despite mental health and substance concerns, these disorders often go unnoticed and untreated. Prisons lack the funds and care to offer proper mental health treatment. It was reported that only 18% of inmates were taking medication for their condition and specialized treatment is not available in prisons.
Being mentally ill in prison has extremely negative results. Mentally ill inmates are more likely to commit suicide as studies found that mental illness was prevalent in 77% of attempted suicide. Additionally, recidivism was 50% higher for those who reported mental health conditions in prison.
A large percent of the American prison population suffers from mental health conditions which only worsen after spending time in jail. Prison often causes mental illnesses in inmates and offers no adequate treatment. Therefore, the justice system is releasing prisoners into society with PTSD, depression, bi-polar disorder, etc. Prisoners are leaving prison with worsening mental health. This is setting them up to never get better, and releasing prisoners with aggravated mental health issues makes it more likely for them to return to jail.