Originally Published February 28th, 2020
Being locked in jail can be a terrifying and challenging experience. The violence, the harsh environment, and the abusive people inside the prison walls, all of it can have an impact on the inmates’ mental health. And one way to help them cope while being locked behind bars is through writing and receiving letters.
Writing to someone in prison is a special gift for you, especially for the one who is incarcerated. Most inmates have a little, and sometimes, no contact at all, with people on the outside. Therefore, receiving a personal letter is something that a prisoner would treasure.
While it may be easy to write a letter to someone in prison, it is still better that you know what good it does to inmates whenever they receive a message and writes back to you.
WHY DOES WRITING HELP INMATES COPE WHILE SERVING JAIL TIME?
THEY LEARN SOMETHING NEW
Since one thing that prisoners have is time, it allows them to learn a new skill or develop an interest while inside the jail. Most inmates invest in improving reading and writing, which helps them build confidence and a sense of self-worth.
You may not be aware of it, but many inmates can’t write nor read. But after release, most inmates were able to write and read, which they learned while they were still inside the prison. And, these are all because of the help from their pen pals.
SHARING OF PROBLEMS CAN BRING COMFORT TO THEM
Have you ever felt being so alone like there is no one to talk to? Did you ever feel like no one wants to listen to you? Most prisoners think that way, which often causes their depression.
In general, sharing your problems can bring comfort to yourself. It feels like your burdens have become lessened. But how do inmates do that if they are locked inside? When you write to them, and the trust has already been established, they may start to open up. They may talk about what they have been carrying in their heads for a while, which can be best for their mental health.
While sharing personal thoughts and feelings are not easy, it may be even harder for them if they will have no one to talk to about their burdens.
IT HELPS THEM DIVERT THEIR ATTENTION
Being jailed and locked away from their families is a terrible feeling for prisoners. To receive and write letters is something that can divert their attention from the sadness and the stress of being in prison.
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Did you like this post about how writing help inmates cope with life? Check more interesting articles on our blog.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Franchette Agatha Jardin believes that everyone has the capacity to help those who are in need. She writes blogs about issues and news surrounding those in prison in the hopes of restoring a little extra faith in humanity.