We owe it to prisoners to protect their mental health

Suicide in prisons is difficult to predict. But there are measures that can be taken

Several factors increase the risk of suicide in prison, including being young, male, on a first remand, imprisoned for violent offenses, or having a history of drug misuse, self-harm, or major mental illness.

Recent headlines have sparked public concern about the high number of people in prisons.

Overcrowded prisons pose many risks, including serious impacts on mental health. In some countries, higher rates of suicide among prisoners have been linked to overcrowding. Suicide in prison affects not only the individual but also their family, victims, and dedicated prison staff.