Prison and mental illness: Five myths and some solutions

Like everyone who comes into contact with the criminal justice system, people with mental illness have rights and responsibilities. In reality, however, people with mental illness are more likely to be imprisoned

A prison is not a hospital. Prisons focus on security and order, which often conflict with medical priorities. File picture: Dan Linehan

PRISON overcrowding is commonly in the news. The number of people imprisoned worldwide increases year on year, and so do the number of prisoners with mental illness. 

Here are five common myths about mental illness in prison, and some solutions.