Formerly incarcerated Black men say they’re ‘doing OK’ while trying to cope with depression and PTSD

A nurse scientist interviewed 29 formerly incarcerated Black men in Philadelphia to understand how they address their mental health needs.

By: Helena Addison, Yale University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: March 3, 2026

Words: 1,421

Last Updated: 1 week ago

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By Helena Addison, Yale University

“People can assess me, interview me, incarcerate me, observe me, and they can think they know what I need,” said Shawn, a man in his early 50s who spent 15 years in and out of prison. “And that can be an educated assessment, but at the end of the day, I live inside of this body, inside of this head. I know what I need.”

Shawn is one of 29 …

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