If you’re going to prison as a first-time offender, then you need to mentally prepare yourself for what is to come. If you can do this then you will find it easier to navigate the different processes involved.
Talk to Someone
If you’re trying to survive in prison as a first-time offender, it’s important to look after your mental health. It may be helpful for you to talk to a friend or a family member. If you don’t feel as though you have someone like this in your network then it could be a good idea to talk with a counselor or a mental health professional. Having someone to talk to is the best way for you to process any complex emotions you may have, and it is also the best way for you to feel assured that it’s going to be okay. If you can, it's wise for you to speak to someone who has been to prison before. Talk about their experiences as they could give you the advice and insights you need. This is especially the case when it comes to the initial stages, which are often the most stressful.
Follow Orders
You have to make sure that you follow any orders that are given to you. Listening and knowing that non-compliance or disobeying orders is often the best way for you to make your life easier. The first day is usually the hardest, but when it’s over, you’ll have a good idea of what to expect for the rest of the time you’ve got to spend there. Listen to the guards, and to the people who you are checking you in.
Keep Yourself Busy
Most jails will give you the option to take part in various programs or activities. This is a great way for you to pass the time, not to mention that it also allows you to expand your skill set. YOu will find it easier to prepare for life outside of jail while gaining an idea of what new path you may want to take. Another thing you may want to do is maintain contact with your friends and your family. Maintain as much contact as you can. Write them letters, make some phone calls again, or even see if they would be willing to come and visit you. If you can do this then you can stop yourself from feeling homesick while ensuring that you have a nice positive network to go back to.
A lot of people also find that staying active helps them. The more daylight and sunlight you can get, the healthier you will be able to keep your mind and your body. Talk to people and try to partake in sports. If you can get outside when you are given the opportunity then this will help you to keep your body clock in sync.
Medication and Clothing
When you go to prison, you won’t be able to take the comforts of home with you. YOu will have the clothes that you wear there, which will be taken from you when you are given new clothing. If you have prescription glasses then take some of them with you, and if you take medication, be sure to take a copy of your prescription too. You can’t take medication into prison with you, but you can have it provided to you as soon as you're in there.
Be Sociable
If you can, take the time to make some friends. Find people who have some common interests as this is often the best way for you to get through the hardest days. Making friends as an adult isn’t easy and in prison, it can be even more difficult for you to adjust. With that being said, many people will have been to prison multiple times so asking about their experiences may help you to settle in. Sharing a cell with someone is common, so you may be able to strike up a relationship with them.
Try to surround yourself with positivity too. There will be people in prison who want nothing more than to serve their time and get out early on good behavior. Seek out these types of people and make sure that you surround yourself with those who have the same core values. They can be a great support. As always, be respectful and avoid negative influences as this is often the best way to get involved in more criminal behavior.
Remember You're Not Alone
Although prison can be difficult you have to remember that most prisons do offer counseling and support services so you can take advantage of them should you need them. If you are finding prison life difficult or need help with your mental health services are available. You may find that you can talk through your feelings or that you can find better ways to cope with things.
Some of the things you can do to support your mental health include meditating. When you meditate, you will soon find that it is easier for you to regulate your mood and that you can develop coping techniques. If you struggle to sleep at night, especially in the beginning then meditation can be a good workaround. Sometimes people find it helpful to write things down too, which is especially useful if you don’t feel as though you have someone to talk to. If you don’t want it to be found then write it down and then tear it up after. Sometimes you just need to find a way to let it out, and when you do, you’ll be able to move on with a healthier mindset.
Going to prison as a first-time offender is never easy, but there are steps you can take to try and make your life easier. When you do, you can then look forward to a brighter future, where you’re able to use your time in prison constructively, to become a better person.
