Life in prison is hard and challenging. It can be harder to live in the hole or solitary confinement. Being isolated from the general prison population can cause severe psychological and emotional effects. That’s why it is important to understand how to survive this harsh environment. In this post, you will be able to find the best strategies to face and ensure the hole in prison to avoid mental and emotional damage.
About the Hole
Solitary confinement, which is also known as the hole, is the term to call a form of incarceration where inmates are isolated in a small cell for 23 hours a day with minimal human contact. These inmates are placed in such a place for disciplinary reasons, to separate dangerous inmates, or as a preventive measure. While the conditions can vary, usually, there is only a limited access to personal items. Besides, there is only a limited recreational time, if any.
The Best Way to Survive the Hole in Prison
There are a lot of ways to survive solitary confinement or the hole in prison. The best way to learn how to survive the hole in the prison is from the prisoners who are currently experiencing or once experienced living in such a place. One of the prisoners who are currently living in solitary confinement or the hole in prison is named Michael J. Nichols. He shared his story on the official website of a nonprofit newsroom organization that covers the U.S. criminal justice system called the Marshall Project.
Michael J. Nichols went to prison when he was 19 years old. At the time, he was really afraid of getting hurt by other prisoners. That’s why he acted like a deadly gangster when he passed through the prison gates. Due to his action, he was sent to the hole several times.
Currently, Michael is serving life without parole for murder at Potosi Correctional Center. In case you are not familiar with the Potosi Correctional Center, it is counted as the level 5 maximum security prison located in Mineral Point, Missouri. The solitary confinement or the hole at this correctional facility is typically a 7-by-9 foot cement room. In the room, there is only a cot, a thin mattress, a toilet and a sink. One of the things that stand out is a steer door that has a slot for distributing meals. Besides, there is also a small window to see outside. There are some rules to follow when inside the hole, such as to only shower once a week and to spend one hour outside each day. Inside the hole, the prisoners cannot receive mail all the time because there are times when they cannot receive such a thing. What makes it worse is that their interaction with others is limited or close to no one. For instance, they can only yell out to other prisoners without having to see their faces.
Earlier last year, Michael had spent a year in the hole in another Missouri prison. Fortunately, he made it. According to him, here are the best ways to survive the hole:
1. Do the time
One of the effective ways to survive the hole in the prison is to do the time and to not let the time do you. Do not sleep after breakfast and stay awake all day long.
2. Exercise
Keep being productive when in the hole. One of the things that you can do is to exercise. Try to set goals and feel based on how long you think you will be inside. For example, if you want six-pack abs, you can start off doing 500 sit-ups and leg lifts every day. Gradually, you can add the number to 3,000.
3. Read anything you can read
Feel free to read anything that you have access to. If you are a Christian or a Catholic, you can read the Bible. If you are a Muslim, you can read the Quran. Aside from the religious books, you can also read something like The Science of Mind or anything.
4. Learn new things
You are encouraged to learn as many things as you can, especially the new ones. It does matter if these things are small. For instance, you can learn new vocabulary by studying the dictionary. Do not hesitate to try simple things such as writing with your right hand when you are a lefty. While it might seem so-so, in fact it is beneficial.
5. Avoid having “sensitive” conversation with other people
Do not start or join the conversation that has a “sensitive” topic, such as government politics, street politics, or prison politics. The reason is because it can lead you to have arguments with these people. If the topic of the conversation is history, business , spirituality, or legal issues, you are free to join it.
6. Learn to control your anger
Some prison officers want to keep you in the hole and they will do everything to make you angry. When dealing with them, it is important to control your anger. Do not get provoked and stay calm.
7. Take the chance to leave the cell when there is an opportunity
Do not miss the chance to go outside when you are given that chance. Just go to the shower, to the medical center, or anywhere as long as you can be outside the box when you tend to feel anxious. Do not show the officers that you are afraid of leaving the cell.
8. Write letters
Writing letters is one of the ways to connect to the outside world. Feel free to write a letter to your family, friend, faith tradition, or anyone. In case there is an issue that you find unfair, you can also write to the courts. If you are wondering about the potential laws, just write to legislators.
9. File complaints about any legitimate issues
File as many complaints as you can and ask as many things as you want. If inside the cell there is something broken, ask the officers to fix it. If you need a religious book other than the Bible and the Quran, ask them. Apparently, the officers have those who ask and complain about many things. If they are too bored dealing with you, there is a chance for them to release you earlier than it should be.
10. Practice your faith
Spend your day practicing your faith. Pray, meditate, and read religious books. Try yourself to be close to the Owner as there is a time to do that.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, life in solitary confinement or the hole is undoubtedly challenging. In fact, not everyone can live in such a small and lonely place. On the other hand, there are also people who manage to survive because they know how to deal with it. Some of the most common ways to endure the hole include focusing on self-improvement, practicing faith, exercising regularly, maintaining a positive outlook, and so on.
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
