overcoming institutionalization?

Question

I've been incarcerated for years and need advice on how to overcome my institutionalization.What would your best advice be. Think psychological

Answer 1

First of all. Decide to turn your life around. Sleep whenever you feel like it. No schedules;. No routines. Sleep with your bedroom open. Change your clothes everyday. Wear bright and vibrant colors. Express your individuality. Celebrate your well deserved freedom. Go for long walks. Be aware of all the sights and sounds of your surroundings. Stop and smell the roses. Enjoy all the daily activites of living without restrictions. Don't establish regimented schedules.

Admire the sound of the ambulances or even the siren of the fire engines. Cross the street without fear of somebody watching your every movement. Get to know your neighbors. Make new friends. Go to church and join their activities. Keep curtains and drapes in your house open. Let the sun come in and illuminate the room with bright lights. Find comfort and solace in other people's company in both sexes : males and females.

Eat whatever foods you like. Dabble in exotic cooking. Listen to music and hum or dance as you listen to music. Turn up the volume. Apply for a driver's license. Drive your car and visit friends. Obtain a good paying job. Open a bank account. Try to stay away from being cooped up in your house. all alone.

Wear jewelry, especially a watch to keep track of time. Speak on the phone freely and chat with friends. Try not to associate with fellow inmates. Unless you completed your sentence and got released.. It's a violation of your parole; anyway.

Go thru revolving doors without fear. Learn to associate with other people at work. Learn to communicate effectively. Look directly in other 's people's eyes with whom you are speaking to; to express your sincerity. Maintain good eye contact. Avoid body language that are of defensive nature such as crossing your arms across your chest.

When you enter a room; don't hesitate .to open the door and help yourself. You don't have to wait for somebody to give you permission to talk. Try to avoid expressing obscenities in your vocabulary. Avoid talking in the prison lingo. Overcome psychological feelings of depression, hostilities, sleeplessness,
thank God everyday for your renewed freedom .

Try to work towards that resolution that you will become an integral part of society in genreal and would vow never to be incarcerated again.

Ex-convicts may experience feelings of anxiety, sleeplessness, inability to concentrate and emotional numbing, isolation, and depression that are all related to their prison traumas. You may suffer from sensory deprivation from solitary confinements. You might suffer from loss of privacy.


While in prison, you lost the ability to make choices. Not just on the surface, as he never chose what clothes to wear, what meals to eat, when to go outside or where to go when he did, but mentally he forgot how. Now, a trip to the grocery store can be overwhelming. While it can be exciting to think about the many different cheeses, the vast array of cereal and the numerous kinds of cookies, you may often find you can’t decide which brand to buy. Which chips would you prefer, salt and vinegar or B-B-Q? Ooh, how about sour cream and onion? Lays, Wise, Pringles? Rippled or plain?

Answer 2

First of all, congratulations on your release and good luck to you. You've apparently paid your debt. To overcome institutionalization, you must make a decision to never go back to prison no matter what. I don't mean by doing something and not being caught. I mean by making better choices. Make sure that the friends and family members that you surround yourself with are positive, strong, and hard-working. This is going to be a big part of your support system. Do you have a parole or probation officer? If so, allow him/her to point you in the direction of some sound counseling. I know that in my area, there are agencies that will help you find a job. I'm hoping that this is the case where you're at also. Ask around. My final piece of advice to you is that you must occupy most of your waking hours. After work, perhaps join a gym where you can work out. Memebership fees are really low at a lot of gyms. Mine is only $20 a month and it's worth every penny. If there's a support group near you, go to daily or weekly meetings. Limit your time in clubs, bars, etc. There is nothing that you can't do if you put your mind to it. Best wishes to you! You are somebody!

Answer 3

there are chaplains/social workers who work in the prisons who also get you connected with communities and services on the outside Follow their advice.Try to find something structured because I believe too much free time or too many decisions to make is risky for you. Work work work and stay active but away from any semblance of trouble. Follow the advice of people who have seen this type of transition go bad or go well and follow exactly the prescription as if it is a life saving medicine. Good luck

Answer 4

Try to change your way of thinking. Look in the mirror each day and tell yourself "I'm a free man, being locked up is over for me". You will only overcome the feelings of being mentally locked up over time. Stay busy and find a hobby that interest you.

Answer 5

sit down, calm your mind, the world has changed a lot, u need time to adapt, u need time to adjust. take it easy, dont be hasty. start looking old friends/siblings or new ones and control your emotions. learn to listen more than talk. patience and sobriety. start looking for a job, maybe.
try and if need be, get some professional help. goodluck god bless

Answer 6

Does it hurt? Where does it hurt?