Commentary: doing time in maximum security--the pains of separation

Abstract

Suicide is a leading cause of death among prison inmates. A recent study found that nearly half of the inmates who committed suicide in a state prison system during the study period did not have a major mental disorder. This prompts the question of why a person in prison who has no mental illness decides to end his or her life by committing suicide. Stressors associated with maximum security settings that may contribute to the high incidence of suicide found in segregated housing units are explored through a description of the author's experience and inmate anecdotes.