Suicide & Incarceration!

September is Suicide Prevention Month. It is a time to raise awareness and increase the illumination of this extremely stigmatized, and often taboo, topic.

This month, my nonprofit, “A Mother’s Cry” is using its voice to inform and enlighten our communities about the correlation between the crisis of suicide and the mass incarceration crisis in this country. By doing so, we hope to not only provide information, but to let those who are at risk see that we understand, and we care.

It has been proven that there is a distinct correlation between being incarcerated and the risk of ending one’s life while incarcerated. In addition, there is significant research to show that family members of those incarcerated persons are also at risk for suicide.

Suicide among incarcerated persons is one of the leading causes of death in the prison system. The risk is documented as being particularly high during the initial adjustment to incarceration. Coming to terms with the sentence they are given, the isolation and massive change in communication, no longer having any controls over your life and person, the consistent violence and intense sound and visual assault on your senses, are some of the things that contribute to the initial shock of being imprisoned. The intensity of all of these things often lead to suicidal ideologies and suicide.

I have a son who is currently serving a 50-year prison sentence, and he was placed on suicide watch upon entering the prison system. They explained that this was due to the length of time that he was given. Although, I know that my son is a very strong individual, I can understand what intrusive thoughts must enter a 25-year-old young man’s mind at that time, Especially, knowing that your sentence is unfair and unjustified. People have committed suicide for less.

As a mother of an incarcerated child, I have experienced a lot of moments of sadness, depression, anxiety and a level of grief and mourning for my son, even though he is still alive. It is challenging to have complete peace and mental calm when you know that your child lives in a hostile, toxic, extremely dangerous environment 24/7. An environment that is designed to break him physically, mentally and spiritually.

On a regular basis, I speak with mothers who are struggling mentally and some who are considering suicide because of the traumatic experience of having a loved one in prison. They cannot speak to their child on a consistent basis. When your child enters the prison system, they become property of the state and even as their mother you have limited access dictated by someone who does not even know you, nor your child. If your child is sick or harmed, you have to fight through the system to even find out if they are okay or not. It is exhausting and causes you physical illness and soul weariness.

Research shows that even though this is a severe issue, prisons are not consistently and diligently reporting their data on suicides in their facilities. Consequently, it is our responsibility to be active in pursuing information and demanding that they make it readily available.

If you are experiencing and thoughts or feelings of suicide, reach out to someone. I totally understand the weight that you bear, and I want you to know that your life is valuable. There are people, such as me, who are advocating for you, and we will not quit. Hang in there. You are not alone. Keep loving on your incarcerated loved one and YOURSELF. We are traveling together.

SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE: 988