A Call for Empathy - Incarceration and Mental Health
This article looks at the Psychological wellbeing of incarcerated persons and why empathy is important, as well as its significance which can be understood through ethical, practical, and societal lenses. Here’s a breakdown of why:
Ethical Perspective
Empathy—understanding and sharing the feelings of others—is a cornerstone of human dignity. Incarcerated individuals, despite their crimes, remain human beings with emotions, histories, and potential for change. Denying them empathy risks dehumanizing them, which contradicts the principle that all people deserve basic respect, regardless of their actions. Studies in criminology, like those from restorative justice advocates (e.g., Zehr, 1990), argue that recognizing the humanity of offenders fosters accountability and healing rather than just punishment.
Practical Perspective
Empathy can improve outcomes within the justice system. Prison staff who show empathy—such as guards or counselors—can build trust, reducing tension and violence. A 2018 study in The Prison Journal found that empathetic interactions between staff and inmates correlated with lower rates of recidivism, as inmates felt more supported in rehabilitation efforts. For example, programs like Norway’s humane prison model, which emphasizes empathy and respect, boast recidivism rates as low as 20%, compared to 60-70% in more punitive systems like the U.S. Empathy also aids mental health; incarcerated individuals often face trauma, and empathetic engagement can mitigate despair, suicide risk, or aggression.
Societal Perspective
Most incarcerated people will eventually return to society—about 95% in the U.S., per Bureau of Justice Statistics. Showing empathy during incarceration can influence their reintegration. If they experience only hostility or indifference, they’re more likely to reoffend, perpetuating crime cycles. Conversely, empathy can encourage personal growth, as seen in initiatives like victim-offender mediation, where understanding between parties reduces resentment and fosters reform. A society that values empathy toward the incarcerated signals a commitment to rehabilitation over retribution, potentially lowering long-term crime rates.
Counterpoints and Balance
Critics might argue that empathy could be misinterpreted as leniency, undermining justice for victims. However, empathy doesn’t negate accountability—it complements it by addressing root causes like poverty or mental illness, which punishment alone often overlooks. The challenge lies in balancing empathy with fairness, ensuring it doesn’t excuse harm but promotes transformation.
Psychological Well-being of incarcerated individuals
Mental health issues among incarcerated individuals are a significant public health concern. The prison environment can exacerbate pre-existing mental health problems and contribute to the development of new ones. This handout aims to provide an overview of the mental health issues faced by incarcerated individuals, the contributing factors, the impact of incarceration on mental health, and potential solutions.
1. Prevalence of Mental Health Issues in Prisons
In Nigeria, incarcerated individuals face significant mental health challenges. Studies indicate high prevalence rates of psychiatric disorders among prisoners, with depression and anxiety being particularly common.
A study in a medium-security prison in Benin City found that 80.6% of inmates exhibited general psychiatric morbidity, with 72.6% showing symptoms of depression and 77.8% experiencing anxiety.
Research in an underserved prison in northwestern Nigeria reported that 47.4% of inmates had psychiatric disorders, with major depression being the most prevalent at 23.2%.
Comorbidity: Many incarcerated individuals with mental health issues also struggle with substance use disorders.
2. Common Mental Health Disorders Among Incarcerated Individuals
a. Mood Disorders:
Depression
Bipolar Disorder
b. Anxiety Disorders:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
c. Psychotic Disorders:
Schizophrenia
Schizoaffective Disorder
d. Substance Use Disorders:
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)
e. Personality Disorders:
Antisocial Personality Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder
3. Contributing Factors to Mental Health Issues in Incarceration:
Several factors contribute to the deteriorating mental health of incarcerated individuals in Nigeria:
i. Overcrowding: Prisons often operate beyond their capacity, leading to stressful living conditions.
ii. Extended Pretrial Detention: A significant number of inmates are awaiting trial, leading to uncertainty and anxiety.
iii. Inadequate Healthcare Services: There is a shortage of mental health professionals in prisons, resulting in insufficient care.
iv. Stigma and Misunderstanding: Mental health conditions are often misunderstood, leading to neglect and abuse.
v. Pre-existing Conditions: Many inmates enter prison with undiagnosed or untreated mental health disorders.
vi. Trauma: High rates of trauma, including childhood abuse, domestic violence, and community violence, are prevalent among incarcerated individuals.
vii. Stressors of Prison Life: Incarceration can include overcrowding, poor living conditions, isolation, violence, and lack of privacy, leading to increased stress and mental health deterioration.
viii. Social Disconnection: Separation from family and friends can promote feelings of loneliness and despair.
ix. Substance Abuse: Withdrawal from drugs and alcohol during incarceration can severely impact mental health.
4. Impact of Incarceration on Mental Health
a) Suicide Rates: Incarcerated individuals are at higher risk for suicide compared to the general population.
b) Self-harm: Higher rates of self-injurious behaviors due to despair, hopelessness, or untreated mental health issues.
c) Decompensation: Individuals with existing mental health conditions may experience worsening symptoms due to the stressors of incarceration.
d) Behavioral Issues: Increased aggression, disciplinary problems, and anxiety relate directly to underlying mental health conditions.
e) Reentry Barriers: The transition back to society can be challenging due to stigma, lack of support, and difficulty accessing mental health resources.
5. Treatment and Management
To address these challenges highlighted above, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. Here are some few recommendations:
Support Systems:
i. Screening and Assessment: Regular mental health screenings upon entry and during incarceration to identify those in need of care.
ii. Psychiatric Services: Access to psychiatric evaluation and medication management.
iii. Therapeutic Programs:
Individual and group therapy options, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Support for trauma-related issues.
vi. Substance Abuse Treatment: Comprehensive programs addressing substance use disorders may include counseling and medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
vii. Rehabilitation Programs: Educational and vocational programs to support successful reentry can improve overall mental health outcomes.
Management Strategies:
i. Regular Mental Health Screenings: Implement routine assessments to identify and address mental health issues promptly.
ii. Training for Prison Staff: Equip staff with skills to recognize and manage mental health conditions effectively. Staff should receive training on mental health issues and how to de-escalate situations involving individuals in crisis.
iii. Collaboration with Mental Health Professionals: Engage external experts to provide specialized care.
Government and Policy Initiatives:
Policy Development: Formulate policies that prioritize mental health care in prisons.
Resource Allocation: Increase funding to improve prison conditions and healthcare services.
Role of Caregivers and NGO’s:
Advocacy: Raise awareness about the mental health needs of prisoners.
Support Services: Provide counseling, rehabilitation programs, and reintegration support.
Advocacy for Legislative Change: Push for policies that prioritize mental health care and support for individuals involved in the criminal justice system.
Community Partnerships: Collaboration with community mental health providers to ensure continuity of care upon release.
Support for Families: Education and resources for the families of incarcerated individuals can help provide a support system during and after incarceration.
Recommendations for Improvement:
The mental health of incarcerated individuals represents a complex and multifaceted challenge that demands immediate attention and action. Addressing the psychological needs of this population is not only a moral obligation but also a critical component of public health and safety. Implementing robust screening, treatment, and rehabilitation programs can significantly enhance outcomes for incarcerated individuals, reducing recidivism and yielding benefits for both the individuals and society at large. Approaching these efforts with empathy is not merely an ethical stance; it serves as a practical strategy for fostering safer correctional environments, improving rehabilitation success, and promoting a healthier society. Far from negating accountability, empathy acknowledges our shared humanity—a perspective supported by evidence demonstrating its positive impact. The importance of this approach hinges on the intended objective: if the aim is solely punishment, empathy may seem dispensable; however, if the goal is a justice system that mitigates crime and restores lives, it becomes indispensable.
Sources:
1. https://nursingbird.com/the-mentally-ill-offenders-in-nigerian-prisons-challenges-of-managing/
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33133236/
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26475685/
Writer: Abubakar Magaji Yabo (AMNIM), Sarkin Yamman Yabo,
Zonal Program Director NW and Sokoto State Coordinator,
Cope & Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation and COLI Mental Health Academy
Editor: Reverend Chukwudiebube Nwachukwu, Founder and Executive Director of the Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation and Coli Mental Health Academy holds a Level 3 Mental Health Diploma and has extensive training as a Grief and Bereavement Counsellor, Depression Counsellor, Emotional Intelligence Life Coach, and Couple Counsellor. Further enhancing his expertise, Reverend Nwachukwu is a SAMHI Dual Diagnosis Practitioner and an International Olympic Committee Sports Administrator, bringing a unique blend of skills to his leadership in mental health advocacy and sports administration.
If things are getting out of hand, please call us on +234 814 831 8965 or send us an Email at: info@copeandlive.foundation