Health Implications of Incarceration and Reentry on Returning Citizens: A Qualitative Examination of Black Men’s Experiences in a Northeastern City

Mental health outcomes in formerly incarcerated Black men: A systematic mixed studies review

“…When asked about poor appetite, some men brought up food insecurity, one saying ‘If you can't feed yourself, you're going to be depressed’ (Perkins & Lasiter, 2016). Men also shared how unemployment contributed to feelings of hopelessness and isolation (Sun et al, 2018; Williams et al, 2020).…”

“…The impact of social determinants of health was also prominent as men discussed neighbourhood violence and described how sounds of gunshots and sirens, and previous experiences of being robbed or physically attacked both before and during incarceration, contributed to their fear and anxiety (Sun et al, 2018; Williams et al, 2020; Yu & Hope House Men Alumni, 2018). Men also described feeling unsafe and anxious in police presence due to the opportunity of being arrested and reincarcerated (Sun et al, 2018; Yu & Hope House Men Alumni, 2018).…”

“…Men discussed their experiences of depression, by describing sadness, loneliness, fatigue, anhedonia and feeling ‘beat down’ or having ‘messed up thinking’ (Perkins et al, 2014). Hopelessness, helplessness and suicidal ideation were endorsed by men in multiple studies, often connecting the distress of community re‐entry to worsening mental health symptoms, suicidality and substance use and overdose (Binswanger et al, 2011; Perkins et al, 2014; Perkins & Lasiter, 2016; Sun et al, 2018; Williams et al, 2020; Yu & Hope House Men Alumni, 2018).…”

“…Despite the prevalence of psychological distress and mental health symptoms in this population, most men described hiding or minimizing their experiences. Men reported disconnecting from emotions, even positive ones, and getting high to cope with negative emotions (Williams et al, 2020; Yu & Hope House Men Alumni, 2018). Men also described hiding their depressive symptoms from those around them but acknowledged close family and friends were able to recognize it (Perkins et al, 2014).…”

“…Pushing through, or what Perkins et al (2014) referred to as ‘Being strong and going on’ was a repeated theme in qualitative studies. Men emphasized ‘snapping out of it’ and moving forward when discussing negative emotions (Perkins et al, 2014; Williams et al, 2020). Men also emphasized the importance of self‐reliance and self‐responsibility to cope with emotional pain and distress (Perkins et al, 2014; Williams et al, 2020; Yu & Hope House Men Alumni, 2018).…”