The Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentence, discontinued in 2012, still traps thousands in a web of uncertainty. Research by Harris, Edgar, and Webster (2020) uncovers its severe mental health impact, from crippling anxiety to deep despair. This blog delves into the emotional struggles of those under IPP, both on licence and post-recall, while spotlighting solutions like telehealth and EMDR therapy to support healing.
IPP Anxiety: Living in Constant Fear
Life under IPP is marked by relentless fear of recall. The 2020 study shows how minor breaches or false accusations haunt individuals, with one 53-year-old describing life outside as “utter and total fear” triggered by sirens. Post-recall, the pressure to prove “low risk” in prison intensifies anxiety, with 20 of 31 participants reporting depression or anxiety. Telehealth provides a safe, confidential way to access counseling, easing this burden without risking further scrutiny.
Isolation: IPP Barrier to Connection
To avoid recall, many under IPP self-isolate, both in the community and in prison. The research reveals individuals shunning social contact, from avoiding buses to cutting off family, to minimize risks. One stayed in his cell to dodge conflicts that could delay parole. This isolation fuels loneliness, worsening mental health. EMDR therapy, available through telehealth, can help process the trauma of disconnection, aiding emotional recovery.
Hopelessness: IPP’s Endless Cycle
The indeterminate nature of IPP fosters profound hopelessness. The study describes recall as “back at square one,” erasing hard-won progress like family ties. Participants spoke of a “never-ending cycle,” with no clear end date driving despair. One 47-year-old learned “what depression means” after recall, while others faced suicidal thoughts. Structural reforms are needed, but telehealth offers immediate hope, providing support to navigate this despair.
Breaking the Cycle: New Paths to Healing
The mental health toll of IPP demands urgent action. The study advocates for reforms like stricter recall thresholds and annual parole reviews. Meanwhile, telehealth delivers confidential counseling, bypassing fears of probation backlash. EMDR therapy, effective for trauma, can further help individuals process IPP’s emotional weight, paving the way for resilience and hope.
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In case of a mental health emergency, please call 911 or seek immediate professional help.
Source:
Harris, M., Edgar, K., & Webster, R. (2020). ‘I’m always walking on eggshells, and there’s no chance of me ever being free’: The mental health implications of Imprisonment for Public Protection in the community and post-recall. Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1002/cbm.2180