PTSD + ME

Healing the Hidden Wounds of Incarceration

Society tells us that prison is where people go to right their wrongs—to reflect, change their ways, and come out better than they went in. The truth is, change doesn’t happen just because a person is locked away. Transformation requires a shift in mindset, and for that to happen, people need access to education, career readiness, and personal development. But in most cases, prison does not provide these opportunities.

Instead, incarceration creates trauma. It is a dangerous, unstable environment filled with violence, isolation, and deprivation. The reality is that prison is not designed to heal or reform; it is designed to control. Research from Ivy League institutions like Harvard and Yale confirms what many of us already know from experience—prison hardens people more than it rehabilitates them.

A study published by the Harvard Kennedy School found that extended incarceration often leads to diminished cognitive function, emotional instability, and heightened aggression, particularly due to the lack of constructive engagement. Another study from Princeton University concluded that the absence of meaningful education and career preparation in prison directly contributes to recidivism, proving that without resources, most people leave just as lost—if not more so—than when they entered.

The Reality of Trauma Behind Bars

Prison is not designed for healing and transformation—it is designed for punishment. Every day is a fight for survival, whether it be from violence, isolation, or the constant stress of being under heavy surveillance. Many incarcerated people experience:

• Physical Violence – Studies from the Bureau of Justice Statistics show that nearly 25% of incarcerated individuals report being physically assaulted while in prison, either by other inmates or correctional staff.

• Solitary Confinement – Research from the American Psychological Association confirms that spending even just a few weeks in solitary confinement can lead to irreversible psychological damage, including hallucinations, paranoia, and extreme anxiety.

• Loss of Identity – Being reduced to a number and stripped of autonomy leads to a deep disconnection from self-worth, making reintegration into society difficult.

• Witnessing Trauma – Even if one does not experience direct violence, witnessing extreme situations affects the mind in ways that are difficult to process.

• Fear and Uncertainty – Not knowing what the future holds, or if release will even come, keeps the body in a constant state of fight-or-flight.

  
  

The Science of Incarceration Trauma

Studies from Johns Hopkins University and Columbia University reveal that prolonged exposure to high-stress environments like prison alters brain chemistry. The hippocampus, which is responsible for memory and emotional regulation, often shrinks in people exposed to prolonged stress, making it harder to process emotions or make rational decisions post-incarceration.

Additionally, trauma experts from Yale have linked the chronic stress of incarceration to long-term physical health issues such as heart disease, weakened immune function, and chronic pain. This demonstrates that incarceration trauma is not just psychological—it manifests in the body as well.

For many, leaving prison does not mean leaving the trauma behind. Symptoms of PTSD among the formerly incarcerated are incredibly high and include:

• Hypervigilance – Always being on edge, scanning for threats even in safe environments.

• Difficulty Trusting Others – Years of betrayal and broken systems make it hard to believe in people’s good intentions.

• Emotional Numbness – Shutting down feelings as a survival mechanism, making it hard to reconnect with family and friends.

• Flashbacks and Nightmares – Reliving traumatic moments, leading to insomnia and exhaustion.

• Anger and Irritability – A short fuse, often stemming from years of unresolved pain.

  
  

Research from Stanford University suggests that untreated PTSD in formerly incarcerated individuals increases the likelihood of reoffending by nearly 60%. Without proper mental health support, the trauma of incarceration often pushes individuals back into the same patterns that led to their imprisonment in the first place.

A Pathway to Healing

I created PTSD + ME because I knew firsthand that trauma needs a space to be processed, not ignored.

This program is built on four key pillars:

1. Understanding Trauma – We educate participants on what PTSD is, how it manifests, and how to recognize symptoms in themselves and others.

2. Processing Through Storytelling – Incarceration forces many to suppress their pain. We create safe spaces where individuals can share their experiences, release the weight they’ve been carrying, and begin to reclaim their narratives.

3. Mindfulness & Coping Strategies – Learning techniques like meditation, grounding exercises, and guided reflections to manage stress and anxiety. As well as understanding how to be present.

4. Building a Support Network – Healing is not meant to be done alone. We connect individuals with mentors, counselors, and peer support groups to foster a sense of community and accountability.

   
   

Why This Matters to Society

The impact of incarceration trauma isn’t just personal—it ripples throughout our communities. When people return home struggling with PTSD and receive no support, they are more likely to end up back in the system. They struggle to hold jobs, maintain relationships, and build stable lives. If we truly want to break cycles of recidivism and create safer communities, we must prioritize mental health for those re-entering society.

A joint study by Harvard and MIT found that reentry programs focused on trauma recovery reduce recidivism by up to 30%. Providing access to therapy, job training, and educational opportunities helps individuals reintegrate successfully and contribute positively to their communities.

Our society is facing an epidemic of unhealed trauma—not just in those leaving prison, but in domestic abuse survivors, foster youth aging out of the system, and so many others who have been abandoned by the very institutions meant to protect them. It’s time we recognize that healing is not a privilege; it is a necessity.

The Journey Forward

Healing is a journey, not a destination. PTSD + ME is just one step toward breaking the cycle of trauma that plagues our justice system and then our communities. We need more programs, more conversations, and more willingness to address mental health openly.

If you or someone you love has been affected by incarceration trauma, know this: You are not alone. Your pain is real, and your healing is possible. It starts with recognizing the wounds, seeking support, and taking intentional steps toward recovery.

It’s time to stop punishing people for their past and start investing in their future. In doing so we are investing in healthier, safer communities. The real justice system is one that prioritizes healing.

If you want to learn more about PTSD + ME or get involved, reach out. Let’s create a world where trauma is addressed, not ignored, and where healing is a right, not a luxury.

Stay focused on healing,

Troy Rienstra