Serving time in prison is a life-altering experience. Many people who commit crimes have mental health challenges before they enter the prison system. The other side of the coin is that being in prison can take a toll on an inmate’s mental health too. Many who are considered mentally healthy prior to their arrest develop mental health symptoms once they are in prison. Reintegration back into society after release from prison can be difficult but add mental health challenges into the mix and it can make the process even more difficult. To improve outcomes it’s crucial to understand the difficulties they face as they try to rebuild their lives.
Spending time in prison takes a significant toll on a person’s mental health. The circumstances designed to be the punishment (tough environment, lack of freedom, and constant stress) are the same factors that cause or worsen someone’s mental health.
Common mental health conditions include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Many former inmates also experience “institutionalisation,” meaning they struggle to adapt to life outside the prison walls after becoming accustomed to the rigid structure and routine of prison life.
Another significant factor ex-offenders face is the stigma that goes with having a criminal record. Generally, society views ex-offenders with suspicion, prejudice, and mistrust. Being constantly reminded of their past mistakes while they look for work or housing can deeply impact their self-esteem and mental health.
What Are The Key Challenges Faced During Reintegration
Lack of Access to Mental Health Services
One of the biggest challenges is the lack of access to mental health services. Many former prisoners don’t have the financial means or the knowledge to look for professional help. It’s common for mental health resources to be limited, especially for those living in underserved areas. But, without the proper support, these people are left to struggle and manage their mental health alone. This makes their reintegration so much more challenging.
Housing Issues
Finding housing can be a monumental task. Finding good quality housing is even more difficult. Many landlords don’t want to rent to people with a criminal record so options can be scarce. So where does that leave these vulnerable individuals? Often, in poor-quality housing, in deprived or crime-filled areas, frequent moving, and can even lead to homelessness. All of which exacerbates a person’s mental health issues. A stable home environment is crucial for stability and recovery. Without it, former prisoners face an uphill battle.
Employment Barriers
Regular and meaningful employment is essential for both self-worth and financial stability, but it can be incredibly challenging to find. Employers hesitate to hire people with a criminal history, which leads to high unemployment rates among these ex-offenders. The stress of financial insecurity just further adds to the mental health challenges.
Social Reintegration
Rebuilding relationships with family and friends can be another uphill battle. Relationships can become strained during the time in prison, and the process of mending them is often slow and painful. The isolation and loneliness that many former inmates feel can lead to depression and anxiety. Having a support network is so important and not having one can make reintegration much more difficult.
How Does Bridge Support Help?
Tilt is a residential facility that helps ex-offenders transition to independent living by providing recovery pathways and support. We focus on personalised support plans, real-life skills training, and staged integration to encourage successful reintegration into the community and reduce reoffending rates. At Tilt, we collaborate with clinical partners and commissioners to improve the lives of ex-offenders in a modern and supportive environment. We have a residential facility and proven recovery pathways that offer support for ex-offenders to transition to independent living.
Here at Bridge Support, we also run a housing management service which focuses on providing safe, high-quality accommodation combined with support to aid recovery. We make sure clients are housed in a safe area, which is crucial for recovery. In addition, our services are focused on recovery, so clients get the support they need from a dedicated support worker.
If you’d like to get in touch or have any questions, please contact us here.
Further Reading
Our Tilt Project Is Here To Stay
Women in Prison– Breaking the Cycle
How do we support people with forensic history and mental ill health in the community?
