Understanding Depression Treatment for Inmates

The management of mental health issues within the prison system is a complex and often under-discussed topic. While the treatment of depression among inmates varies widely based on various factors, it is crucial to understand the challenges and the measures taken to address this critical issue.

The Reality of Mental Health Care in Prisons

As one inmate puts it, 'You get lip service and if need be stripped down put in a turtle suit and tossed in a concrete psych cell. I could go in to more detail but the bottom line is: Nobody Gives A Shit.' This statement captures the often-cold and inhumane approach towards mental health care in certain prison environments. These institutions are not designed to provide comprehensive mental health support, and staff is generally not adequately trained to deal with serious mental health issues.

Availability and Accessibility of Mental Health Services

However, within the broader context of the correctional system, mental health services are available. At the facility where I worked, daily mental health social workers were available, and a psychiatrist conducted weekly assessments. Upon discharge, inmates were connected with established programs designed to support their mental health recovery. Despite these resources, the corrections system is fundamentally not equipped to handle severe mental health problems.

Medications and Basic Treatments

Inmates diagnosed with clinical depression are typically mandated to receive medication for their condition, much like any other physical ailment. These medications are usually administered promptly after diagnosis. However, there is no provision for sedatives or narcotics, which underscores the focus on physical health over mental well-being within the prison system.

A Full Range of Mental Health Services

While some facilities may provide a limited range of mental health treatments, others offer a comprehensive array of services. In my facility, all healthcare, including mental health services, was free of charge for indigent inmates. We had a diverse team of professionals, including psychologists, nurse practitioners, medical doctors, registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses, and mental health clinicians. Services included therapy, yoga, meditation, prescription psych meds, and other treatments.

Challenges and Limitations

Despite these provisions, the reality on the ground is often grim. A more pernicious approach involves the use of Thorazine, an antipsychotic medication, which is given to render inmates docile. The duration of these interviews with mental health professionals is often limited to a two to three-minute session, with no significant therapeutic potential. In cases of suspected suicide risk, inmates are placed in suicide watch cells, where basic personal items are stripped away, exacerbating their mental distress.

The prison system prioritizes security over genuine mental health care. Even when inmates demonstrate recovery and cease engaging in problematic behavior, the environment remains a constant source of depression for many. The attitudes of many correctional staff are rooted in a punitive mindset, continuously punishing without fostering personal growth or wellbeing.

Personal Accounts and Experiences

From personal experience, I suffered from depression for over two decades. The treatment received at the prison was minimal, with only a token amount of counseling compared to the four-hour psychological evaluation that I previously underwent in the outside world. The psychological evaluations were often superficial, and there was no structured therapy as one would expect in a professional setting. When I informed the authorities of my truth and the manipulation within the system, I was labeled as in denial, further emphasizing the punitive nature of the system.

It is disheartening that the mentally ill face additional challenges in prison. The stigma attached to mental health and the lack of comprehensive support systems contribute to the persistent and worsening conditions of many inmates. The availability of antidepressants and other mental health medications does little to address the root causes of the issue when accompanied by a punitive and inhumane attitude from staff.

In conclusion, while the prison system is equipped to provide certain mental health services, the treatment of depression and other mental health issues is often limited and lacks the depth and effectiveness required to genuinely support inmate well-being. It is crucial for both policymakers and correctional staff to prioritize the mental health of those incarcerated and ensure that proper care and support are consistently provided.