I’m an inmate at Hainesville Correctional Center and have been for over three years. I’m calling in regarding issues of mental health here, even though almost all things in life involve it. Some key points involve unneeded troubles when trying to switch one’s therapist or psychiatrist to one more effective, which is like pulling teeth. Regarding the same issue is a lack of efficiency in treatment as well as initiative and even lax or little help given in the grand scheme of things. I’m unsure if it’s a financial issue, if these employees show up more for the pay than the patient, or some other factor.
Much of the population here that I have talked to feel at a loss as well, and feel as if much they do provide isn’t sufficient or is, in its entirety, lacking. Checkups with patients don’t seem frequent, if at all, and one hasn’t seen the therapist for at least a month and a half or more. I’m witness to this. I used to be called down at least one time a week or every other week, which helps. I’m uncertain if there is the requirement for keeping up appointments enough. I’ve requested an autism program to start and have mentioned it many times during the time here, and have been told they don’t have one here, don’t offer one, or— and seemingly ignored.
The little I’ve received on autism is a few papers printed off the web, which only does so much for a guy that found out he was on the spectrum shortly before or after coming to the system—I can’t remember the exact time frame—and not being able to have assistance that’s adequate is problematic. How am I, as someone on the spectrum, supposed to learn and cope with such when there’s no programs that exist, or a lack of help? I have as well—as others have—conditions, both mental and medical, that seem deliberately overlooked such as having a diagnosis of panic attack disorder, putting me in a state that usually has multiple debilitating effects. This condition has gotten worse since my incarceration. Other conditions others have, and some I have, that aren’t treated well, if at all, are chronic depression, schizophrenia, and etc. This is all that I could report at the moment. Thank you for your time.
These commentaries are recorded by Prison Radio.
