Anxiety before visits due to correctional officers

Dear The Inmate Connection,

My husband and I met while incarcerated and have been married for two years. We are very happy together, I drive seven hours every-other weekend to visit him. However, I have chilling anxiety about the correctional officers at my husbands facility. I feel judged for having met my husband while he was in prison, and I feel like some of this anxiety takes away from the excitement I have for the visit. When I’m in a visit, everything is perfect but the process of checking-in and dealing with the officers is becoming increasingly overwhelming. Even my excitement leading up the visit is overshadowed by feeling anxious. I don’t want my excitement or visits to be affected by my anxiety any longer.

-Anonymous 

Dear Anonymous,

            Wow, a seven hour drive every-other weekend… it sound’s like you put a lot of time, resources and effort into visiting your husband! We are so sorry to hear about your anxiety regarding correctional officers in the visiting room. We know that interactions with any type of law enforcement officer can be intimidating especially if you feel you are being judged. Try hard to keep your visit with your husband in mind first and foremost, rather than anxieties about the officers. Be pleasant and respectful to officers, and keep in mind that they are at work when they are interacting with you. It is their job to be thorough while checking-in guests to the facility and observing visitors. However, it is also their job to be professional and respectful. Each and every institution should have a formal grievance policy to report any unprofessional behavior, if necessary. If your anxiety about visiting your husband continues to feel overwhelming, contact your primary care physician, who should be able to offer a variety of anxiety remedies that are customized to your healthcare needs and history.  

Sincerely, The Inmate Connection