Going to prison is something that people never expect to happen to them, but you can’t always know what life will throw your way, and for some people, that can mean prison. Going to jail as a first-time offender will be a significant challenge, and is unlikely to be an easy road. However, with the right support around you, you can make it through this difficult time and look forward to resuming your life outside.
Here are some tips for navigating the challenges of going to prison for the first time.
Navigating prison life: A first-timer’s guide
Going to prison as a first-timer will be a huge adjustment. You’ll have to learn to live in a new space, with new people and a routine that’s decided for you. It can be difficult to maintain your health and well-being, and adapt to not being able to see your family and friends regularly. But doing some research beforehand to prepare yourself can help you navigate prison life, and give you some things to think about that will give you an idea of what to expect.
Coping strategies for surviving prison as a first-time offender
Mentally preparing yourself for prison can help things feel like less of a shock when you arrive. Some things you can do to help you cope at the beginning can include:
Talk it through
It may be helpful to talk through your feelings and situation with a supportive ear. This could be friends, family or a professional if you have access to one. It’s normal to feel fearful, especially due to the many unknowns you’ll be faced with, but having someone to talk to could help you feel reassured and know that you have people who care about you.
Speak to someone who’s been there before
If there’s someone in your life who’s been to prison before, why not talk to them about their experiences? They could provide you with some useful advice, especially about the initial stages of entering prison, and give you some insights into how they coped during their time inside.
You will also find plenty of online sources to give you an idea of what life is like in prison as a first-time offender, which can help you prepare for what’s to come.
Know what you can take with you
When you enter prison, you won’t be turning up with a suitcase full of your comforts from home. You will have the clothes that you wear there, and these will be taken from you while you’re given alternative clothing to wear. However, if you wear prescription glasses, make sure you take these with you, as it can take some time to get them to you later on.
If you take medication, you should prepare by ensuring you have copies of your prescription and information about your condition provided by your doctor. You won’t be able to take your medication from outside with you, but it will be provided for you once you’re inside.
The initial stages of your entry to prison will be tough, but it’s important to listen and follow any orders given to you. Non-compliance will only make things harder. Most people say the first day is one of the most difficult, but you’ll soon adjust into a routine that will make things easier.
Building a support network behind bars: Tips for first-time inmates
Building a support network can help make your life in prison more bearable. It can help you find friends, and people with common interests and get you through the toughest of days. But making friends as an adult is difficult, and can be particularly tough in prison. Some tips for building a support network in prison include:
Seek some guidance from those who’ve been there a while
There will be many prisoners who have been in prison for several years, or may have returned to prison multiple times. If there some who are open and willing to talk to you about their experiences, you could find that they help you settle into life behind bars. If you share a cell with someone else, this could also be a way to get to know people quickly and learn more about prison life.
Build some positive relationships
Try to surround yourself with some more positive influences. There will be people there who want to do their time, rehabilitate and move on, and these can be positive influences to be around while in prison. Seek out those you might have a common interest with or the same values, who can become a support during this time. Always try to be respectful to others, and avoid negative influences who could lead you to engage in more harmful behavior.
Take part in programs and activities
Most prisons offer different programs and activities that could help you find some purpose during your time in prison. These activities can help you expand your skillset, help you meet new people and help you pass the time. These programs and activities can also help you prepare for life outside of prison, helping you figure out what your next steps are.
Maintain contact with your family and friends
Try to maintain as much contact with your friends and family as possible. Write letters, make phone calls and arrange visits. These activities can help you feel less homesick, and can help you maintain your support network outside of prison. These updates from your loved ones can help you stay connected, and keep you feeling hopeful too.
Seek out professional help when you need it
Most prisons will have counselling and support services to help you when you need them. If you’re struggling with your mental health, this can be a valuable source of support, helping you talk through your feelings and find ways to cope.
Maintaining mental and emotional well-being in prison: First-timer’s edition
Maintaining your mental and emotional well-being in prison can be tough. Your usual coping mechanisms may be unavailable to you, so it’s important to find new ways to protect your health and well-being.
- Stay active as much as possible. Try to work out and walk around as much as possible to keep your body healthy, and to help your mind too.
- Get outside when given the opportunity. Daylight and sunshine can make a big difference to your well-being, helping you maintain your body clock and help you feel a little more energized too.
- Talk to people – it can make a big difference.
- Sleeping may be difficult, especially at the beginning, but it’s important to get regular sleep to help you regulate your energy levels and mood. If you struggle, you can turn to meditation and other coping techniques that could help you drift off a little easier at night.
- Keep yourself focused on the end goal – your release. Things may feel hopeless from time to time, but knowing you have a goal can make you feel a little more motivated, helping you take things each day at a time.
Overcoming challenges: First-time inmate strategies for success
When faced with challenges in prison, it’s good to have some strategies in place to help you overcome them.
- Learn to write things down. Writing can be a good outlet for your thoughts and feelings, especially if you don’t want to talk to someone about what you’re feeling. Write it down, even if you plan to tear it up after. Sometimes you just need to let it all out.
- Avoid destructive behaviors when you’re feeling frustrated. Learn how to internalize what you’re feeling and avoid getting into unnecessary trouble with other inmates, prison staff, etc. Learn how to turn your back – it can avoid a lot of further trouble down the line.
- Know your rights and what you can do if there is a problem. If you’re experiencing a health issue, for example, don’t let it build up, get the help and advice you need.
- Talking to someone can be one of the simplest ways to cope with the challenges of prison. From your fellow inmates to a professional, take the opportunity to talk to people about how you’re feeling.
Finding purpose
Life in prison will be an adjustment, but you will soon settle into a routine. Finding purpose while inside will make a big difference to your wellbeing, and can help the days pass quicker too.
Your purpose could be in employment while inside or being a support to others. It could also be in learning a new skill or taking an active role within the prison. Find something that helps you feel useful and give your attention to it. It could make a big difference to your day-to-day life in prison.
While entering prison as a first-timer is tough, once you make it through the initial stages, things should become easier. Think about how you’ll adjust to prison life and seek as much advice as you can to help you make it through.
Tags: Surviving In Prison As A First Time Offender: Tips For Navigating The Challenges