Mental Prison: How Mental Health Struggles Are Exacerbated by the Carceral System

• Janelle Castro, Political Science, University of Delaware

• Chrysanthi Leon, Criminal Justice and Sociology, University of Delaware

The U.S. system of mass incarceration operates as a billion-dollar institution, profiting from the imprisonment of the most vulnerable populations. Among whom are individuals struggling with mental health disorders or trauma. At the root of many guilty sentences are some who struggled with depression while overcoming difficult life circumstances or suffered from anxiety after enduring years of domestic abuse. The prevalence of mental health issues is significant throughout the American carceral system. Yet, as incarceration rates rise, the resources to support inmates’ well-being continue to dwindle. This review aims to understand the scale of the mental health crisis in prisons, focusing on America and other Western nations. There are a few established perspectives on this issue, including the importation model, the deprivation model, and the dual or transactional model. Each theory explores how mental health issues for inmates occur and impact their incarceration. Other studies explore aspects of how these models are applied in the real world, including issues of poor healthcare quality in prisons and the quality of life after incarceration. Many healthcare workers in prisons often do not focus on preventative measures and dismiss inmates’ health concerns. Once freed, life also does not get much easier. Recidivism and suicide rates are high amongst formerly incarcerated individuals due to a multitude of factors, such as unemployment or trauma from their experiences in prison. After examining various forms of literature, this project will provide an extensive view over the issue of mental health and incarceration.