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Prison System and Mental Health

Getting arrested for a crime that you did not commit can come as a shock. At times minor faults can turn into something of major consequence. When someone is arrested, the fear of being ostracized by family, friends, or co-workers can lead to anxiety and even depression. Human beings are social creatures, so people cannot handle the loss of reputation easily. They might feel worthless and even have suicidal thoughts. In prison, many factors may lead to the downfall of mental health, including:

Overcrowding

California has one of the highest prison populations in the nation. Studies have shown that overcrowding increases the risk of panic, insomnia, paranoia, and aggression. It further increases the chances of riot and violent attacks in prison.

Lack of meaningful activity

Recreation includes sports events, telephone calls and walks. Federally mandated tasks are limited to employment in the foodservice, pharmacy or the warehouse, or work as a painter, plumber, gardener or volunteer. For these laborious work assignments, one earns a measly 12-40 cents per hour.

Inadequate Health Services

There is an alarmingly low rate of detection, prevention and proper treatment of mental disorders inside the prison facility. To promote overall wellness the prison system must employ techniques to help the prisoners be engaged in meaningful activities.

Don’t let your loved one fall prey to the damaging effects of unnecessary prison. Ensure their safety with a bail bond. Once they are out of the system, they can employ the best lawyers to represent them in the courthouse. After the trial is over and you are proven innocent, you need to take care of your mental health. Visit an experienced psychologist to talk about the trauma you endured over the last few months. You may not even comprehend the damage done to your psyche due to the inhuman conditions you had to face in jail. To have a positive outlook towards life itself, you need to fix your own self first. Mental and psychological health is as important as physical health, so don’t ignore the necessity for a proper therapy session.

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