Prisons are naturally lonely places as those inside are cut off from the rest of the world. Prisoners often end up cut off from their families and friends and may also be cut off from other social support systems like churches. Social connections are extremely important to individuals, according to Dr. Ami Rokach, a clinical psychologist who has done extensive research into loneliness in prisons.

 “I realized it a long time ago that everybody needs social connections, everybody,” says Rokach

This high level of loneliness can last for many years and can, in some cases, lead to or worsen mental health issues.

 According to the American Psychological Association, 64% of incarcerated individuals in jail, 54% of incarcerated individuals in state prison, and 45% of incarcerated individuals in federal prison report mental health concerns. 

There are many factors that can contribute to a sense of isolation in prison. From a psychological standpoint they have their identities stripped and are no longer considered productive members of society, according to psychotherapist Amy Morin in her article, “The Mental Health Effects of Being in Prison.” 

They are no longer known for their career, skills or knowledge, Morin adds. 

Even being surrounded by other prisoners can end up being socially isolating.  

“In jails, where the older, more experienced criminals are creating their own society within jail. And the younger ones or the ones who come in, feel quite isolated outside of the circle, and that could be bad,” says Rokach. 

The physical aspect can play a role as well. The concrete walls and little to no natural light can leave very little to stimulate the brain in any way. According to recent reports many prisoners don’t receive adequate time outside of their cells for stimulation and human contact. This also leads to feelings of loneliness and depression.

 Peel criminal lawyer Gary Batasar, who has represented many clients who have experienced prison, said although there are options in jail that can prevent feeling alone, such as befriending fellow inmates and other measures, there can definitely be an environment that fosters loneliness.

"If they're in isolation or administrative segregation...they're being punished for bad behaviour or any institutional transgressions. They may be there by themselves...23 hours a day, then I presume they might be lonely," he said. "They also have access to T.V., radio (etc.)."

Solitary confinement, isolating an inmate from the rest of the prison population for a variety of reasons, is used as a more intense form of punishment, Rokach says. 

This intense form of isolation can last for days, weeks, or in rare cases, an entire lifetime. 

“Solitary confinement, [which] is the harshest punishment that humanity could think about as far as jail is concerned,” says Rokach. 

Through studies and surveys conducted, solitary confinement is rarely found to improve an inmate's behaviour and can often lead to worsened mental health, according to an article titled “The effects of social isolation on prisoners” . This can include worsened aggression, depression, or violent behaviour.

The end of the prison sentence doesn’t necessarily mean the end of social isolation. Many prisoners find difficulties in reintegrating into society and reforming their social connections that they had before being incarcerated.  “However, there are many people who get out of prison, and because they feel lost in the world, and they have no good route to the community, they screw up in order to go back to prison, which will always be open 24/7 and will receive them,” says Rokach. 

This can lead to the feeling of loneliness from prison carrying through to outside life.  

The lack of job opportunities and stable housing is likely to lead to ex-prisoners finding illegal ways to earn money, therefore becoming re-offenders, according to a report in the American Psychological Association titled “From prisons to communities: Confronting re-entry challenges and social inequality.” 

Many apartment owners or low-income housing projects refuse people who have a criminal record, according to the report. Employers in most states are allowed to deny jobs to individuals who were arrested but not convicted of a crime.

Although a prison's intentions are meant to correct illegal behaviours in many circumstances they do more harm than good. 

Many prisoners report high levels of loneliness during their stay and this translates into potential mental health issues. This loneliness continues after their stay in prison and can hurt their chances of successful reintegration into society.  Loneliness, ultimately, is what leads many prisoners to reoffend and end up back in prison.  Regardless of the time spent in prison the lasting mental health effects are usually a life sentence. 

Batasar said having a "good support system" of family and friends is essential for helping an individual recently-released from prison get re-integrated back into society. But, failing that, there are agencies such as The John Howard Society or Elizabeth Fry Society that help former inmates re-connect with the world outside of jail, he said.