When you spend some time in prison, life changes around you. No one holds your job and no one holds your house for you unless you own it or the rent is still being paid. If you have a loved one who is coming out of prison, you will be aware that they have an adjustment ahead of them. They’ve spent time away from friends and family for a certain length of time, and there will be a lot of feelings about coming back into the world. They’ll feel low and worried, shocked with the change in culture and they’ll want to get back to normal as soon as they can.
As their friend, you can help them to adjust and support them to getting a home, a car and a job once again. Speaking to car dealers in advance of their return, and seeing if companies like One Sure can help is the first thing you can do after speaking to the local council about a home. They can stay with you for a while, and then you can help them to get their lives back together. Here are some of the ways that you can help your loved one after they come home from some time away.
Just Get It
They are going to have some feelings about adjusting to the culture shock of leaving prison and you have to understand it. If you want to support them, you will need to understand how culture shock works and what it will mean for them going forward. Give them space when they want it, and give them support when they ask for it.
Depression Awareness
Not being able to get out onto the road again immediately may cause some depression. Freedom can be a lot at once, and you want them to feel good about that but it can be a trigger for depression. Readjusting to life can be so difficult after some time away and that is difficult on their mental health!
Help Set Small Goals
Small goals, from getting a driving licence to finding a home and furniture for the first time are so key! You want to be able to ensure that they feel happy and secure once again, and they can do that with meeting smaller goals that make for baby steps toward a brand new life.
Encourage Communication
Whether this is with you or with their guidance counselor, you need to encourage them to communicate with others to tell them if there are any issues. Managing anger in your friend or loved one is important! You don’t want to deal with issues on the inside on the outside, and neither do they. They need mental health help and support at all times and you can help to give it to them!
Rehab Is A Must
Whether it’s for addiction to alcohol or drugs, you want to ensure that you can help your friend to get through rehab and remain sober. This way, they can avoid going back again and repeating the same mistakes that sent them to prison in the first place.
