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Mental Health

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Signs of poor mental health

Being in prison can be a very strenuous experience, and you may find that transitioning back to normal life is more difficult than you expected. It is very normal to feel this way, and low moods can be triggered for a very wide variety of reasons. Any reason is valid.

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Signs of poor mental health may include:

  • Appetite changes

  • Low energy

  • Trouble completing normal daily tasks

  • Sleep deprivation

  • Sleeping too much

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What can help if you feel this way?

Some ideas of things you can do to help yourself include:

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  • Exercising regularly.

    • This is scientifically proven to release endorphins, which boost your mood. 

    • Try to find activities that you enjoy, rather than forcing yourself to do hours of exercise that you hate.

  • Socialising with family, friends or loved ones.

    • It may be worth looking at support groups that can help connect you with other people who have come out of prison, and may be in a similar situation. 

  • Creating a routine.

    • This routine may include, for example: exercising, job hunting, working, cooking, hobbies or socialising.

    • Having a regular routine can help you to do these things, even when you do not feel entirely up to it.

  • Try new hobbies, or reconnect with old ones.

  • Volunteer with a charity.

    • Giving back to a community can help increase feelings of self-worth.

    • This can also be a great way to meet new people.

  • Faith organisations.

    • It may be that discovering/rediscovering faith can aid you as you readjust to society.

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Where can further support be found?

There are also many support networks available to aid with mental health:

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  • Talk to a family member or loved one about how you feel.

  • Talk to your doctor.

    • Doctors are not just for physical health. Talking to your GP can be a free and accessible first step if you are feeling low.

    • Your GP may refer you to other services, for example by prescribing free counselling through the NHS.

    • The NHS has an urgent mental health helpline available 24-hours a day. See more here.

  • Visit the Mind website for information and support relating to mental health, found here.

  • Call the Samaritans helpline, available 24-hours a day. The helpline will be answered by volunteers who will listen to anything you wish to share, without judging you or telling you what to do. Call them by dialling 116 123.

    • You can contact Samaritans about any issue or concern, no matter how big or small.

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