Prison journalism: Learning to cope with the daily stressors of incarceration

Life behind bars is chaotic. 

The stress of incarcerated life runs the emotional and physical gamut. People inside have to deal with the consequences of a crime they did or did not commit. We have to follow onerous institutional rules, eating when they say, sleeping when they say, doing everything they say! And we have to cope with being locked away from our friends and family in a foreign place. 

This takes a huge daily toll on our mental health. From sunup to sundown, prison stresses us out. 

We all respond differently to the pains and pressures. For some, ignoring the stress can be deadly. For others, the stress is as irritating as a mosquito bite. 

For me, the daily stress is killing me softly. So I use different coping skills to overcome it. I read my Bible or a book with daily meditations, listen to music — gospel, pop, R&B, rap — and I work out. I do this instead of giving in to the sadness and grief. 

ALSO READ: Prison Journalism: The destruction of corruption

I push through it all. I will not let the stressors of this life break my soul. I channel my inner superpowers to help me stay sane. I use healing thoughts, affirmations and good vibes as a guide to lead me through hardships. 

I block out negative people and situations; I avoid petty conflicts and gossip. I fight to keep the spaces in my mind clean by not letting others take up residence in my head with their negative energy. I pray for my enemies and I forgive my haters. I know that in order for the Creator to rehabilitate me, I have to act worthy of his attention and show my intentions clearly. 

I listen to the wind of life when it blows, letting its melody pull me towards it. I send out good vibes in those winds and I bank on their returns. I hold my head high in spite of the heavy emotional tolls. I rise and watch the heavens open each day. I strive to be thankful for everything I have, everything I am, and for everyone around me. 

I pray that after reading this short article you can find a way or a reason to get over the stress that hassles you. Build a team of people who will encourage you to be your best, do your best, and pray that God will do the rest.

ALSO READ: Prison Journalism: My path to freedom

Written by Summer Breeze for The Prison Journalism Project

Should you wish to assist in the rehabilitation of former inmates and help put money into the pockets of those who have struggled to earn a living during and after incarceration, click HERE 

Do you have any question you would like to ask our prison journalists, WhatsApp us on 060 011 0211

Do you have contact with a prison inmate who would like to write for The South African website?

If so, send an email to info@thesouthafrican.com or a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211

You can also follow @TheSAnews on Twitter and The South African on Facebook to get the latest prisoner journalism articles.