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Prison Journalism Project

Prison Journalism Project

Independent Journalism by the Incarcerated

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Mental Health

Incarceration can take a serious toll on the mental health of those who are imprisoned for a variety of reasons, including isolation, exposure to violence or a perceived lack of purpose in life.

According to the American Psychological Association, 64% of incarcerated individuals in jail, 54% of individuals in state prison and 45% of people in federal prison report mental health concerns. However, there is a significant lack of access to adequate mental health care in incarcerated settings. These are stories and reflections around mental health challenges inside prison as well as before prison.

Subscribe to Inside Story to receive exclusive behind-the-scene looks at our best stories, as well as author profiles and other insights.

The American flag flies over a U.S. Army dock.
Posted inPerspective

Don’t Forget the Veterans Behind Bars

by Richard Shafer August 29, 2023August 22, 2023
A lens flare creates a blinding light
Posted inOpinion

The Constant Light And Sound of Prison Life Is Unbearable

by David Annarelli August 17, 2023July 21, 2023
Self portrait of man with open mouth and clenched fists
Posted inArt & Illustrations

Anger, Anxiety and Other Demons Prison Won’t Let Us Purge

by Kallisto Pro June 21, 2023June 15, 2023
A collage of headlines from magazines addressing mental health
Posted inKites

Round Up: Thoughts On Mental Health From One Virginia Facility

by Gwendolyn Burton-Green June 14, 2023June 15, 2023
Solitary confinement cell at Alcatraz Prison
Posted inDispatch

What Happens Behind the Dark Walls of Solitary

by Antwann Lamont Johnson June 11, 2023June 9, 2023
Drawing of tears streaming down a cheek
Posted inPoetry

624

by Rahja Rose May 21, 2023May 18, 2023
Cement heart shape with many cracks on a dirt background
Posted inPoetry

Broken

by Michael B. Aaron April 23, 2023April 21, 2023
Chalk drawings at CSP Corcoran remember those lost to suicide.
Posted inPerspective

Chalk Art Honors Those Lost to Suicide

by Jessie Milo March 12, 2023March 10, 2023
Lonely man lost in surreal maze; concept of PTSD in prison
Posted inOpinion

What Caused His PTSD? This Prison, Right Here

by Christopher Monihan March 3, 2023March 9, 2023
Aging in prison
Posted inCollections

The Graying of America’s Prisons

Wyatt Stayner by Wyatt Stayner January 10, 2023April 18, 2023

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