Dear About Time,
My name is Greg, I am 60 years old and I have spent almost 48 years in various institutions and prisons.
I am writing concerning the constant neglect of inmates with mental health issues, and the neglect of services in prison to accomodate these issues. Sadly, and like so many, I was abused physically and mentally as a child, in various institutions, which resulted in me having chronic PTSD and other mental health issues.
Sadly it was not picked up as a child – my behaviour was noted as me being a delinquent and an attention seeker.
I was finally diagnosed in late 2021, but still nothing has been done.
I was finally put on the OSP due to my mental health issues and I thought wow now someone has recognised my issue.
I was released in June last year after serving six and a half years. Life wasn’t easy, I lost my father and I had entered into a new relationship, sadly those issues that were left to exist led to a relationship breakdown and my offending once again resurfaced and led me back to prison.
I got on a mental health plan prior to my arrest – when I was arrested I informed police of my mental health issues.
Instead of helping me and allowing me to get the help I need and getting a Section 14 they decided to elect under Section 58 to send my matters to the district court, in essence preventing me from addressing mental health issues, which they were aware I had.
Having come back into custody I requested to see a mental health nurse, but I was told there is one mental health nurse for 1,000 inmates. To date I have not been seen nor have I had a opportunity to address those issues that have once again led me back to custody.
Prison is confinement – you place any animal in a cage and it will either go mad or adapt to its environment, neither of which is healthy.
Something more needs to be done to those of us with chronic mental health issues.
Yours Respectfully
Greg
