Incarceration is the experience of prison life as a prisoner, where inmates need to make adjustments to a life characterized by a lack of privacy, loss of freedom, and strict regimes. Many people who are incarcerated report varying degrees of psychological changes caused by the stress of incarceration. The effects of prison can produce long-lasting psychological changes that make it difficult for some inmates to recover even after release.

Anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder

Many inmates witness violence and cruelty, and some become victims. Fears for safety combined with constant noise can create even more anxiety for inmates. Fear of victimization causes many inmates to become rash. Difficult sleeping conditions can further exacerbate anxiety. Incarceration can also bring about feelings of panic and claustrophobia. For inmates who experienced trauma as children, incarceration can also lead to a recurrence of the trauma. Some inmates develop post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of the stress.

Depression

The loss of autonomy in almost all aspects of daily life can reduce feelings of self-worth. Inmates have no choice over meals, free time or roommates. After experiencing barriers to connecting with friends and family, some inmates become disengaged as a result of frustration. The inmate's sense of personal worth also diminishes as they are no longer engaged in meaningful daily activities. Lack of purpose, coupled with no time for leisure activities and a lack of positive social interactions, can lead to feelings of depression and despair for many inmates.

Untreated Substance Abuse

A report by the Center for the Study of Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University shows that 85 percent of U.S. prison inmates have a history of substance abuse problems. They also claim that only about 10 percent of inmates have received treatment in prison. People with a history of drug abuse will continue to abuse drugs if they have access to them in prison. Inmates who do not receive treatment are at high risk of re-offending after release.

Slow expression of emotion

Prison culture discourages inmates from showing much emotion. Expressions of sadness are seen as weakness. Rudeness, anger and hostility tend to be seen as assets. Many protect themselves by joining gangs. Other inmates use violent crime to gain recognition. The process becomes a way of survival for many inmates, but it can also prevent them from experiencing and expressing their true emotions