Is someone you know expecting to spend 2023 behind bars? They aren’t alone. At the beginning of the year, about 95,000 people were serving sentences in state prisons across California alone.
This number doesn’t account for the people in county jails, federal prisons, or juvenile detention, bringing the total to about 2 million in the U.S. alone.
Has your loved one been arrested and sentenced to prison? Whether they are already doing time or awaiting a sentence, you might wonder what life behind bars is like.
Today we’re going inside the walls.
Table of Contents
The Reality of a Prison Sentence
Going to prison is much different than most people imagine. It is a stark reality for those incarcerated, leading to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and fear. Many inmates struggle with the idea of never having freedom as they serve their sentences.
Inside the walls, prisoners fear violence, witness mental health issues, and endure long hours of idleness, as there are few activities available to them. The monotony of the day-to-day life in prison and the oppressive sense of punishment plays a role in coercing inmates to abide by the rules.
Adapting to a New Environment
When entering prison, inmates are faced with the challenge of adapting to a new environment. From overcrowded dormitories to strict rules and regulations, the prison walls can be intimidating and overwhelming. It takes time to adjust and develop coping mechanisms to survive in a prison cell, cell block, or dormitory.
There is a certain language, hierarchy, and set of values that inmates must respect. Each prisoner must figure out how to successfully maneuver through the system.
For prisoners to adapt quickly, they enroll in self-help correspondence courses. Through these courses, inmates can increase their self-esteem, improve communication skills, and learn anger management techniques. This can help them adjust to life on the inside, build their confidence, and ultimately aid in their rehabilitation.
Relationships in Prison
Relationships between inmates are very common in a life of a prisoner. Symbiotic relationships often form as inmates lean on one another for resources such as food, clothing, protection, and support.
Within the prison population, certain groups are formed based on factors such as race, religious or political beliefs, and gangs. It is common for members of these groups to treat each other with camaraderie, understanding, and compassion.
Some inmates even find that adopting a “family” in prison provides a strong source of support, stability, and identity.
Get a Glimpse of the Realities of Prison Life
Prison life is not as straightforward as one might assume. Much of prison life is plagued by difficulty and challenge. Despite this, some inmates are able to find solace in their faith and relationships, while others remain mired in the same despair they arrived with.
While it may be challenging to fully comprehend what takes place behind bars, it is essential to remember that all inmates deserve dignity and respect. Take action today by advocating for prison reform and change.
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