If you have a strong feeling that something bad is going to happen, don’t think about it; act immediately by finding a safe place. Try not to rationalize in an irrational place. Trust your first impression if you feel something weird going on. Nothing is what it seems in prison. If you do not have a sixth sense, it is best to gain one while in prison. Even the most subtle events or signs could bring danger to your immediate surroundings.
Remember that you’re living in close quarters to thieves, rapists, murderers, gangsters, mobsters, and sexual predators. Those are people whose bad side you do not want to get on. You never know what they’re capable of, so it’s best to err on the side of safety. Do not insult anybody’s masculinity or femininity, otherwise you will be making a trip to the infirmary, solitary confinement, or the graveyard. Don’t cut the queue at cafeteria or you might be the one getting cut. Don’t enter other inmates’ cells unless you are invited in. Don’t touch someone’s personal belongings without their permission. There’s no issue with talking to prisoners of any racial background, but as a general rule, all races look after their own. Don’t associate with anyone with a different racial background than yours. Only fight when all other possibilities are exhausted. If you refuse to fight when somebody disrespects you, then you are a “punk,” or coward that will live in a deeper misery than you are already in. Be nice to all people and be respectful, even if they’re the ones being disrespectful.
Most fatalities in prison are members of gangs. They also suffer the highest rate of stabbings, slashings, and fights. If you are known to be a member of a gang, the chances of you getting released reduce dramatically. If you are asked to be a member of a gang by anyone, respectfully decline the offer. If you are caught doing drugs in prison, you could get solitary confinement, more time added to your sentence, or moved to more dangerous prison. Gambling is a contact sport in prison, especially if you incur a debt. Having money in prison provides access to goods and necessities. If you owe a debt, you will be expected to pay it as soon as possible. If you don’t pay it, expect a visit from your gambling buddies who may even go as far as threatening you physically.
Avoid behavior that draws attention to yourself and any violent activities. These two behaviors are the quickest ticket to solitary confinement. Studies show that any behavior that prison guards cannot understand leads to solitary confinement. Stay away from other inmates who are causing a serious disturbance, such as a prison riot or gang fight, even if you don’t intend to join in. Get as far away as possible from where it is taking place, otherwise guards could falsely believe that you took part and give you a punishment. Every prison has its own rules. Make sure you understand what these rules are as soon as possible because violating them will most likely land you in your solitary cell. Oftentimes, solitary confinement is used as a tool to control gangs. Therefore, avoid joining gangs or hate groups because they are the most targeted for being placed in solitary confinement.
Keep a daily mental schedule. We all have scheduled lives or nothing would get done. Do not change this routine while in solitary confinement. Wake up, eat breakfast, go to work, eat lunch, come home, eat dinner, watch television or some other activity, and then go to sleep – all in your mind. Break processes down into their basic parts. This is an excellent mental exercise that will keep you challenged and thinking logically. If you like baseball or football, think about explaining these sports to an alien who has no concept. In this way, you have to describe and give examples of every small step. This should take you an entire day. Build things or take them apart. Think about the items you need to buy a house and make a shopping list. Go to the store, buy the products, and take them to the site. After that, imagine building the house.
Prison food can be supplemented with food from the commissary or canteen to improve your diet. Many commissaries sell products rich in vitamins and minerals. Try to replace a meal or two per week with these alternative choices. Drink lots of water and stay hydrated. Avoid complaining about the food they give you. This can offend both the kitchen staff and your fellow inmates alike.
Exercising will make the time go by faster. Prison is a stressful place and exercise provides a better outlet than fighting to relieve your stress. Physically fit people are less likely to be targeted as victims for strong-arm tactics since you will be better prepared to defend yourself.
Idleness in prison only results in trouble. Participating in positive activities will take you mind off the time and situation. Activities are stimulating and social. They take a little fear out of being there, even if temporary. The recreational activities available at most prison facilities can include playing basketball, lifting weights, playing pinochle, joining clubs etc.
If you need medical care in a prison, a written request must be submitted. Once it is received, it will be screened and prioritized for an appointment. Emergency services are available as necessary. Drugs, surgery, prenatal, and hospice care are provided if necessary.
A knowledgeable brain will help you deal with difficult circumstance while in prison. Once you gain freedom, you will be able to put some of that knowledge to use.
An education will better prepare you for the outside world. As with any employer, they will want to some engagement with learning, so earning a degree or certificate while in prison gives you the evidence you need to get a job in the free world.
If you do not have access to mental health care, try to find another prisoner willing to listen. Odds are there are many other prisoners like you suffering from a depressed mind. Try to focus on stressing your body through exercise rather than on your mind. Exercise releases hormones that help fight stress and depression. Stay away from drugs and alcohol since they will only make depression worse. Concentrate on eating more fruits and vegetables while limiting caffeine and sugar. Make a few acquaintances so that you do not spend too much time alone. Depression can create a desire for excess isolation, which can also further fuel depression. Maybe your prison mates will be able to give you positive encouragement and lift your spirits. If you are experiencing depression, try to use “one day at a time” approach. Each day wake up, assess your mood and energy, and try to set a small goal that feels achievable. At the end of the day reflect on whether or not you accomplished it, and validate yourself for your accomplishment.
Be careful not to assume. Making assumptions in prison can be a dangerous road to go down. Never try to be a mind reader. Instead, make sure you know the reason why somebody bumped into you or passed you in line. A mistake could be fatal. Do not impose your own rules on other inmates without their knowledge. This is usually manifests itself in statements that start like this: “He should have…” Many prisoners claim personal rights that must be respected by others. If you violate their imaginary rights, then you must be prepared to defend yourself. The more you “overgeneralize” something the angrier you will become. For example, if you catch yourself constantly complaining that you are “always” singled out or “never” taken seriously, you will likely become angrier. Try not to think about everything as either black or white. In prison, you will survive longer if you understand that there are shades of grey. Not all people are only good or bad.
Be very skeptical of someone’s politeness. Ask yourself, “What’s in it for them?” Since most inmates are aware of the “don’t trust anybody rule,” there is probably some ulterior motive for them approaching you. There’s no issue with talking to prison guards and staff, but be careful what you say because anything and everything you say, no matter how insignificant you think it is, can be used for or against you. Prison guards will not protect you and even if they did, you still have to go back to your cell where everybody knows you live. It is better just to keep your mouth shut regarding any information you have on another prisoner. Indirectness is the best policy. Most importantly, you need to learn to trust yourself. After all, you are the only one you can trust in a place that harbors the worst of the worst.
Since most prisoners are bored, they have plenty of time to practice their manipulative skills against you. They will often do things to provoke and instigate you. It is important to remember that prison guards and staff are always right and they are never on your side. In other words, treat them nicely and with respect to keep them out of your hair. Avoid challenging or intimidating inmates, guards, and staff as well. No matter if you are right or wrong, you will be the one to suffer.
You should not stare, but neither should you walk around staring at the ground or might run into somebody, causing a whole new set of problems. In general, staring usually means two things, either sexual interest or hostility. As you can imagine, neither is what you want to happen in prison.
If you are ever questioned about an incident by prison guards, simply make an excuse. Indirectness is the best policy. Avoid badmouthing inmates or prison guards. Badmouthing is impolite wherever you may go, and it’s a quick ticket to earning yourself several enemies. Be careful where and how you talk to guards. If you are hidden or seem too friendly, this will most likely be interpreted as snitching. In this case, it is best to avoid talking to any prison staff. Not only do other prisoners hate snitches, so do prison guards. If you ever upset a prison guard, your name will emerge as a snitch to your enemies regardless if it is true or not.
If a guard asks you to do something, you are expected to do it. If you’re unsure about something, simply ask. If a guard is behaving in a rude or aggressive manner, do not fight back verbally or physically. As tempting as it may be to challenge a guard, you will be the one to suffer, irrespective of how right you may be in a situation. Don’t ask a prison guard to solve your problems. Prison Guards aren’t obligated or required to sort out your issues, and it’s safe to assume that many of them simply don’t care. Get used to the fact that you’re largely powerless to mollify your situation. The best they can do for you is putting you in solitary confinement, which is neither pleasant nor rewarding. There’s nothing wrong with talking to prison guards, but you may want to do it sparingly as inmates may incorrectly assume you’re a snitch. The prison runs on its own economic system. It’s not unheard of for some guards to be on other inmates’ payroll, and chances are, if you upset an inmate, you will also upset a prison guard on their payroll. Choose who you talk to and what you say very carefully. Anything you say or tell the guards can be used to hurt, manipulate, or betray you no matter how innocent you think it is.
Maintaining contact with family and friends will give you something to look forward to and keep some sense of normalcy during your incarceration. Learning about friends and family on the outside will motivate you to do everything you can to see them once again.
Try to make it easy for your spouse and children to speak to you and talk about family life as much as possible during phone conversations and in letters. Trust your family. Do not let the failures of all those around you influence how you feel or treat your family members. Overlook the little things and focus on the bigger picture. If you get upset and give your spouse the “silent treatment,” it could last forever. Let your children, if you have any, unite your family not divide it. Don’t let them take sides and make sure you are doing whatever you can to encourage and support their goals. Be polite and don’t be afraid to apologize when you are wrong. The odds are already against by going to prison.
Keep in mind that your family is making significant sacrifices while you are in prison. In the case that your prison is not located near your home, family will have to travel, stay overnight, and buy food just to come and see you. Your family must also go through the hassle of security checks, long waits, degrading treatment by prison staff, and other embarrassing procedures. Make sure you show them a lot of appreciation for their efforts. Although you are suffering tremendously in prison, understand that your family is also going through turmoil and probably they don’t need to hear you whine about your problems. Keep your focus on the family and family issues during their visit. Stay connected to your children. They grow fast, their interests change, and they face the stresses of having a parent in prison. Do your best to find common interests and stay connected to them. Stay on top of your children’s activities and give them advice, ask for pictures, and share their triumphs and failures. Just like a normal parent would.
