How do you think you would cope with being placed in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day? Solitary confinement is the second most severe form of punishment (after the death penalty) and human rights organizations have called on the abolition of its use. To add further complication, mentally ill inmates often filter through the prison system and end up in punitive, isolating forms of housing like solitary confinement. As such, they may experience symptoms of mental illness (e.g., mania, delusions, depression, anxiety, etc.) while housed in a 6-foot by 9-foot cell. The psychological impact on an inmate without mental illness can be severe; when an inmate has a mental illness and placed in solitary confinement, this negative impact is amplified. It is difficult to appreciate the impact of such limited space, lack of stimulation, and absence of social support. Experience it for yourself.
TRIGGER WARNING: This video contains graphic depictions of self-harm. Viewer discretion is advised.
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