The painful experience of incarceration is unforgettable and can have lasting effects on mental health. (unsplash)
The long-term effects of incarceration can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), “waking nightmares,” and long-term trauma, experts say.
Experts across the Middle East say the painful experience of incarceration is unforgettable and can have long-term effects on mental health. Prisoners can be subject to solitary confinement, abuse, deprivation, harsh living conditions, and high levels of stress and anxiety. This means prisoners are likely to suffer from significant mental health problems after release.
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Marie Byrne is a professional counselor who runs a wellness clinic in Jumeirah and volunteers for the Emirates Foundation, which provides free mental health support.
She has worked to provide counseling to people in prison.
She told Al Arabiya English: Whether it was abused as a child, terrorized, helpless, or imprisoned in some way with no chance of escape.
She continued, “In many ways, there are many similarities that the trauma imposed on someone and the person trapped, and this trauma can be long-lasting.”
“Aftermath is not a pretty picture”
The aftereffects of being in prison can be far-reaching, she said.
“There are social consequences. You will become very inactive in your life, and you will become severely depressed. Also, at first, in your daily life, you will not be perceived as normal by others.” There is an individual response: they may react violently when they perceive danger out of nowhere, or they may perceive danger and withdraw because they are unable to deal with conflicts and problems.”
The long-term effects of incarceration can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), “waking nightmares,” and long-term trauma, experts say. (unsplash)
The most difficult effects, she said, are often subconscious effects at night rather than the “living” aftermath.
“The ongoing problem is a nightmare, subconsciously reliving some of the experiences you had in your sleep, waking up in fear and terror with no exit to solve it. Not a pretty picture,” says Byrne. Added.
“21 years is not solved in 21 minutes”
Most recently, the United States announced the release of Guantánamo detainee Ghassan al-Sharbi. A Saudi engineer was accused of the September 11, 2001 al-Qaeda attacks, but was never charged.
The state continued to detain him as an enemy combatant in a military prison at the U.S. Naval Base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and his status remained precarious.
People walk past the guard tower outside the fence of Camp 5 of the US military prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, January 26, 2017.
However, in February 2022, the Pentagon’s Routine Review Board, which handles Guantanamo’s release petition, ruled that the Jeddah-born Guantanamo can be released. He has held no leadership or facilitator positions with Al-Qaeda, and had been detained years earlier after being seen as a hostile prisoner.
When it comes to al-Sharbi’s case, another concern is, “It’s a serious case of injustice that this individual must have felt over the last few years, 21 years. It’s almost incomprehensible to understand. .”
But there is hope for those who find themselves in this situation, she said.
“The good news is that despite how serious this is, there are so many findings that people can recover emotionally and physically with the right kind of help,” the expert said. .
“This need not leave a permanent mark. I don’t even know.”
Keeping inmates imprisoned for lengthy prison terms can have really detrimental effects on them, especially psychologically.
According to The Psychological Effects of Incarceration: Implications for Post-Prison Coordination, the term “institutionalization” refers to “the processes that are shaped and transformed by the institutional environment in which inmates live … the negative psychological effects of incarceration. ”
Post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety disorders are often cited as possible psychological effects on long-term inmates.
“Hard Reality in Any Situation”
Dr. Tara Wein, a clinical psychologist and clinical director of Lighthouse Arabia, told Al Arabiya English that imprisonment is a harsh reality under any circumstances.
“The loss of freedom, choice, dignity, privacy, the loss of ties to family and friends, and the despair that occurs are punishment enough,” she said. It also includes harsh and inhumane treatment by prisoners.There are often ecosystems and hierarchies that must be learned and adhered to.Violent aggression and retaliation are often part of the daily diet of inmates. is.”
Wyne also said research shows that PTSD, depression, anxiety and suicidal tendencies are common in prison populations.
“Dehumanization takes place and ‘imprisonment’ is a syndrome described in 1960, the destruction of the mind that occurs and the forced development of new attitudes, ideas and behaviors that exist and constantly witness the environment.” Or it means surviving the environment you experience, the most degrading trauma,” she said. “This will inevitably force humanity to shut down, and the survivor and warrior parts will have to take over.”
According to psychologists, “Chronic trauma at this level causes personality changes that have lasting effects on the worldview and trust and belief in relationship security. We develop substance abuse problems as a coping mechanism for overwhelming trauma.”
On the other hand, she also said that her release from prison could be “intimidating and confusing.”
“Release can find a grown man who feels groundless, like a child, and incapable of good judgment and decision-making on how to rebuild his post-prison life,” Wine said. .
“Many prisoners cannot get over the loss and are overwhelmed with anger, regret, or pain for the lost opportunity.
Prisoners can be subject to solitary confinement, abuse, deprivation, harsh living conditions, and high levels of stress and anxiety. (unsplash)
Another aspect, she said, is the world’s wariness and prejudice against those incarcerated.
“There is public stigma and discrimination that, in many cases, severely limits the possibilities of these individuals being entitled to a meaningful life.”
Post-launch, people need different levels of support.
“First, we might compare the release after a lengthy incarceration, such as waking up decades later from a coma,” she said. .”
“Studies show that pre-release in-prison rehabilitation programs, psychological support and treatment, substance abuse support, and post-release practical re-education assistance can make a big difference upon release.”
She also emphasized the importance of programs for building social skills and non-violent communication.
These individuals need help to transition from prison conditioning to seeing the world without harm and a deep vulnerability to mistrust/abuse lenses, she said.
Wein also said that couples or family therapy may be necessary to facilitate re-entry into the family system. There is likely to be.
“Expectations of reintegration into normal life must be very real and staggered,” she added. It may put you in a state of running away.”
Psychologists also know that trauma impairs the ability to regulate emotions, withstand “ordinary hardships”, and experience security and trust.
“Thus, psychotherapy is very important for overcoming the effects of trauma and learning mechanisms to manage anxiety, fear, and the long-term effects of trauma.”
“Psychiatric evaluation and medication may be another option for managing the shell shock reaction and facilitating the development of new coping mechanisms,” she said.
Nesmar Lukman, a clinical psychologist at Abu Dhabi’s Priory Wellbeing Center in Abu Dhabi, told Al Arabiya English that long periods of confinement can lead to a range of emotional problems, including substance addiction, depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress. Said it could cause problems.
“Detainees may feel vulnerable and hopeless over time because of their restricted freedom, separation from loved ones, and loss of personal independence. Uncertainty about events and fears in prison may contribute to the development of tension-related illnesses among inmates who have undergone lockdowns while incarcerated.
“People who have experienced harassment or abuse in prison are more likely to experience PTSD symptoms such as nightmares and flashbacks along with hyper-arousal.”
She added: Those who have spent a significant amount of time in prison may find it difficult to reintegrate into relationships, daily life, and social norms. ”
“Because of their criminal record, they may experience stigma and discrimination, which can lead to feelings of loneliness, guilt and low self-esteem. It can be a struggle and can exacerbate emotional problems.To ensure a successful reintroduction.”
She said the reintegration process requires a lot of effort, support and resources.
Mohammad Naamani, who is also a clinical psychologist at the Priory Wellbeing Centers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, said post-prison support included “access to specialized mental health services, substance abuse treatment/treatment programs (for those who have developed substances). And so on,” he added. abuse issues), employment assistance, housing assistance, education/skills training, and access to support groups. ”
read more:
US releases Saudi Guantanamo detainee after 21 years
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