Q&A for How to Deal with Being in Prison

People react differently. It feels great to be free, but if you don't have anything or anyone to go back to, getting out of prison can be scary and full of uncertainty.

Some prisons allow use of the internet, but a log is kept and all computers are heavily monitored.

Absolutely. Inmates who don't fight back or stand up for themselves are called weak and are usually abused quite often. You know who your enemies are but you don't know who your enemies friends are, so be careful. Stand up for yourself. Inmates respect other inmates who can back their words up.

Yes. Before you go to jail, you will have to see a judge and he/she will send your criminal record to the jail you are going to. More often than not, guards know who you are and what you did before you even get there. Guards have everyone's criminal history on file.

Keep to yourself, and never ask anyone why he's there. If others ask you that question, don't ignore them. Answer honestly. Respect is much a different thing in jail. Stay out of fights and do not join gangs no matter what people say. The number one rule to survive in jail is to never disrespect anyone and never trust anyone.

No, most certainly not. If you try to escape, the prison guards will thwart your efforts and you will most likely have your sentence lengthened. If you are successful, the guards will most likely find you, and your punishment may be more severe.

You can be put into solitary confinement.

Yes, it is possible, but the chance of a fight breaking out will always be there. Try to keep neutral, avoid taking sides, and don't join groups or "gangs." Always be respectful, even when you think the other person is wrong. The fewer people you make angry, the less likely you'll end up in a fight.

It may sound weird, but just expect things to go awful. You have to prepare yourself for the future. You are going to a much different environment. Try to think about what can go wrong and how you will handle issues that come up. If you're feeling prepared, you'll be less afraid.

Yes. If your fart stinks, you'll likely to get what they call "rolled out," and that's a bad thing. Go sit on the toilet, fart, and flush. The suction from the water flow should help with the smell.

You will be allowed to celebrate these events with the fellow inmates. Graduation ceremonies are often held at most prisons for when a group of inmates complete their GEDs.

It depends on what type of jail/prison you're in. Most facilities offer inmates counseling and help for certain issues in jail.

Yes. They are present at all trials, including sentencing and verdict.

Just like any medical problem, it will be handled by the medical staff. After the baby is born, he will stay with you if you want, but the majority of babies born inside a prison are either adopted shortly after they're born or taken care of by a relative.

Keep your mouth shut, be aware of your surroundings and try to make friends who will help protect you.

That's up to you, but generally you should stay out of confrontations that don't directly involve you as interfering could earn you a lot of problems. Chatting with the inmate or offering help should be done after the conflict is over.

Read this article on How to Deal With a Loved One Going to Jail .

No. They sometimes serve special meals in the chow hall to celebrate a holiday, but that's it.

Yes. Guards can't or won't get in the way of activities as long as they aren't illegal. Being creative is a great way to keep your cool.

Yes, but you don't want to get too close to them. Don't make the mistake of trusting anyone.

This depends on the amount of time invested in your marriage and the health of your relationship as it stands. Marriage is different than having been with someone a year or two. If the question itself brings hostility or fighting into your relationship when you pose it to your spouse, explore the reality and put yourself in your partner's shoes as much as possible.

No one. Whining to a CO (correctional officer) will get you labeled as a snitch and you will likely be in for a lot more abuse. If you do talk to a counselor, leave out names or any other identifying details, but if possible, just try to ignore the person who's bothering you.

If you ask prison officials, they will give you anti-depressants and other medications to soothe anxiety and depression.

It's hard to answer questions like these because you have to be in that situation to know exactly. However, when inmates first "join" a new jail, almost right off the bat they are questioned. How they got there, what they did and what they think about people here. But just like anywhere else in the world. Get to know them by asking their name and how ended up there. Nothing more. Never ask about family.

You don’t. This is a bad idea.

It's not guaranteed that your child will be beaten. However, in my experience, you should advise your child to stand up for themselves but not to rat anyone out. Advise them to be as non-confrontational as possible to avoid conflict altogether.

Yes. Depending on the institution, interested prisoners can take classes like English, mathematics, sociology et cetera.

Wait until you are 18 to make your own decisions. Your parents probably don't want you to be poorly influenced by your friend. Ask if it would be ok with them if you wrote letters to one another.

Guards are there to monitor the activity of the prisoners and maintain peace throughout the facility. While they will intervene on behalf of prisoners, it is impossible for the guards to know what occurs behind closed doors. Prisoners have their own political system and that has very little to do with the prison staff. The threat of danger in any prison facility is very real; however, it is on the inmates' shoulders to keep their own peace.

The inmate could harm you, so it's best not to tell a guard. However, if the person did something to harm another inmate, you should tell a guard, but in private, so the person doesn't know it was you who told them.