Mental snapshots behind bars

Inmates carrying their new mattresses across the yard of HMP 'Bedlam'.

Humans are fascinating to watch.

The more I come in terms with the absurdity of prisons from a clinician's point of view the more I grow fond of visiting such institutions for the purpose of providing some therapeutic input.

To be honest, I find prison staff more puzzling than the prisoners. I sense a culture of toughness and fake aloofness that resists reflecting and precludes receiving the support necessary to keep one's sanity when dealing with the darkest and most disturbing aspects of the human soul.

I feel sad on their behalf. At least I don't feel vulnerable for being able to experience, discuss and admit to emotions.

(Just try explaining the concept of projective identification to prison staff that are struggling with severely personality disordered inmates.

How can we help these people keep themselves safe so they can offer containment to the inmates?)