Formerly incarcerated Black men say they’re ‘doing OK…
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Formerly incarcerated Black men say they’re ‘doing OK’ while trying to cope with depression and PTSD
>Participants described self-reliance as essential to coping with incarceration and life after release. Physical separation from family and community, along with strained relationships and limited resources after release, left many feeling like they had to manage mental distress on their own.
>“When you’re in prison, you learn to depend on yourself,” Ken, 56, said.
>Some said incarceration reinforced existing coping strategies they’d had, such as exercising, praying, journaling, reading and meditation.
>“I was always into being active,” said Tay, 31, who took part in a military-style bootcamp while incarcerated. “I learned how to use [exercise] to cope with my emotions.”
>Others were introduced to new coping skills through educational, vocational and recreational programs inside their correctional facilities. Men spoke about how earning GEDs, taking college courses, learning trades and participating in other structured programs helped them manage stress and connect with others.
>Unfortunately, the availability of such programs is limited. …
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Primary article is open access:
Addison, H.A., Richmond, T.S., Ghose, T. et al. “I Know What I Need”: A Mixed Methods Study of Mental Health-Seeking Behaviors in Formerly Incarcerated Black Men. *J. Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities* (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40615-025-02591-7
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>Participants described self-reliance as essential to coping with incarceration and life after release. Physical separation from family and community, along with strained relationships and limited resources after release, left many feeling like they had to manage mental distress on their own.
>“When you’re in prison, you learn to depend on yourself,” Ken, 56, said.
>Some said incarceration reinforced existing coping strategies they’d had, such as exercising, praying, journaling, reading and meditation.
>“I was always into being active,” said Tay, 31, who took part in a military-style bootcamp while incarcerated. “I learned how to use [exercise] to cope with my emotions.”
>Others were introduced to new coping skills through educational, vocational and recreational programs inside their correctional facilities. Men spoke about how earning GEDs, taking college courses, learning trades and participating in other structured programs helped them manage stress and connect with others.
>Unfortunately, the availability of such programs is limited. …
***
Primary article is open access:
Addison, H.A., Richmond, T.S., Ghose, T. et al. “I Know What I Need”: A Mixed Methods Study of Mental Health-Seeking Behaviors in Formerly Incarcerated Black Men. *J. Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities* (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40615-025-02591-7
#people
source
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