the inhumane, non-professional treatment of prisoners who have went from “patients” to “psychologically tormented inmates” after mental health systems deinstitutionalization of the late 1980’s is staggering and heartbreaking
PTSD and Prison
Joshua Guan 279006-A
GBCI; PO Box 19033
Green Bay, WI 54307
see his penpal post at http://latestpenpals.blogspot.com/2009/12/joshua-gann.html
I have been in segregation for 10 months as of 1/11/10. I was told yesterday that I would be getting put on administrative confinement.
I admit that the initial segregation time was warranted, as I go into a physical altercation w/a few correctional officers, however, this was in part due to a 15 year battle with a mental illness called post traumatic stress disorder, and the system’s reckless handling of my medication. They stabilize you, then they take you off medication/psych therapies that are necessary to maintain that imperative, they often opt out and give medications used to treat mental illnesses in the 1960s-70s over newer more effective (less side effects and more expensive medications).
I was told by a specialist that my P.T.S.D. was like that of a combat war veteran, to my benefit I have been treated by non-prison doctors who have taught me many ways to persevere, however the inhumane, non-professional treatment of prisoners who have went from “patients” to “psychologically tormented inmates” after mental health systems deinstitutionalization of the late 1980’s is staggering and heartbreaking because I am a high functioning ( an overall I.Q. of 139 on the WAIS III 99%)
I try to advocate for those less fortunate who suffer the demons of mental illness , and Green Bay tends to disproportionately house us with an “axis I” mental health issue in segregation. But there is so much one man can do, however, I refuse to let current environment (solitary confinement) demagogic conditioning, or feeble attempts to break my spirit by the officials “in Charge” determine who I am .
I love those who need my sound advice, when I can give it, and live by the more noble virtues- courage, truth, honor, fidelity, hospitality, discipline, industriousness, self reliance, and perseverance. Those of us who realize what my grandma (r.i.p.) told me (regardless of our ethnicity, religion, or political beliefs, who suffer from mental infirmities-spiritual or physical) tough times don’t last, tough people do.” Will overcome oppression and adversity and will by strengthened by the experience.
3 comments:
While PTSD occurs within the prison population. I would like to point out that there are twicw as many military veterans that serve or have served our country that go untreated. I would like that the expenditure of my tax dollars go to first, the more productive and pro-social of our society.
I have spent 15 years working in mental health in corrections. Most inmates are personality disordered and feel "entitled" to receive better medications, treatment and services than those who actually pay for those services in the public sector. Case in point with the individual that complained that he received second rate medications. Medications, (even if they were newer generation medications)that were he on the street, he would never consider taking at all. Many of our antisocial individuals would never consider taking responsibility and get the therapy and actually going to get his medications on a consistant basis rather than when he felt like it (which is more the case than the senario he provided).
@ Anonymous
Then maybe you can assist getting funds to your selected other social group by helping prisoners WHO do not need meds to NOT get them administered to them while in YOUR custody. These meds are used more for a chemical restraint, which then creates a "need" and "history" for this selected group. This is part of what facilitates the recidivism. Because these people are then convinced they need meds and they look for relief on the streets. For those prisoners who would have otherwise "on the street, he would never consider taking at all" as you say. Your pen may be mightier than your sword in your profession. Think about it?
I am outraged by the mental health professional that posted this post. "I have spent 15 years working in mental health" Then you realize that joining the military is not exactly low risk behavior. You are on here discussing the value of money over those that have been victims of child abuse, sexual abuse, violence, etc. is very sad. Your lack of empathy and understanding is one of the many problems with the prison/legal system.
Let us not forget, people are suppose to be there to be rehabilitated. If a service is offered to inmates, then they are "entitled" to that service.
My family member suffers from PTSD. He is looking at 8 yrs in prison for self medication (drugs). He was repeatedly molested, physically abused, and mentally abused in his own home from the ages of 4-10. His brother, who went through the same trauma, is a Veteran who served in Iraq and an addict. I am hoping that you are out of the mental health profession, completely.
No one is saying that Veterans do not need help. Anyone with a mental illness needs help. Everyone has made mistakes, even you.
I understand that there are many who seem to take advantage of the system. I also understand that there are many that really do need, want, and appreciate the help.
Joshua, Keep your head up. You seem like a very intelligent strong person.
Shelly
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