The loneliness made me depressed and the depression caused me to be angry, leading to a desire to displace the agony by hurting others. I felt an inner pain not of this world.… I allowed the pain that was inflicted upon me from isolation to build up while in isolation. And at the first opportunity of release I erupted like a volcano, directing violent forces at anyone in my path. -Kyle B. (Human Rights Watch)
Psychological harm to youth in isolation is observed through their increased anxiety, uncontrolled anger and attempted suicides. Juveniles are more susceptible to mood swings and intensified emotions due to their changing hormone levels (Kysel 24). Their cognitive abilities are decreased, emotions are suppressed which, contrary to what prison officials believe, lowers anger management and furthers the chances of expressed hostile behavior at little annoyances (“Solitary”). The combination of mood swings, anger, depression and loneliness sometimes results in self-harm.