Formerly incarcerated Detroiter on trauma: ‘It doesn’t go away’

The Detroit City Council has passed a resolution acknowledging "post traumatic prison disorder," a term describing mental health challenges faced by formerly incarcerated individuals, though it is not an officially recognized diagnosis. The resolution expresses the city's support for comprehensive reintegration services including trauma therapy, housing assistance, substance abuse treatment, and reentry programs for people leaving prison. Multiple speakers at the council meeting, including formerly incarcerated individuals and advocacy organization representatives, testified about the lasting psychological impacts of incarceration on individuals, families, and entire communities.