Mama, I’m Different
By Tabatha Trammell
Removing the Stigma Around Mental Illness
Mama, I’m Different addresses critical issues surrounding untreated and undiagnosed mental illness, particularly in children, and the resulting vulnerability to abuse, substance addiction, poverty, incarceration, and homelessness.
The film emphasizes the way that undiagnosed mental health ailments can be a driver to incarceration, and the importance of breaking societal and cultural stigma around mental health as well as the importance of early intervention to prevent compounding traumas.
About the Issue
Nationally, children with untreated mental health issues are three times more likely to be involved in the juvenile justice system. According to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, studies indicate that as many as 70% of youth in the juvenile justice system have a diagnosable mental health problem, underscoring the critical need for early mental health interventions to prevent such outcomes.
Georgia’s mental health care system has long been underfunded, and there is a critical lack of early intervention programs, particularly for low-income families. Individuals with mental illness are more likely to re-offend and return to jail or prison, particularly if they do not receive adequate mental health support and services upon release. A 2019 study by the Georgia Public Policy Foundation noted that mental health issues contribute to a cycle of re-incarceration.
2,000,000
times each year, people with mental illness are booked into jails — often for reasons related to the symptoms of their untreated illness.
via NAMI Georgia
37%
Nationally, it is estimated that about 37% of people in state and federal prisons and 44% of those in jails have been diagnosed with a mental health condition, and Georgia's rates are likely in line with these figures.
Take Action
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Support Woman With A Plan
Support Tabatha’s nonprofit that empowers women who are directly impacted by the Georgia legal system with mentorship, grocery assistance, clothing for interviews and recovery mentorship.
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Decriminalize Mental Health
Add your name to urge federal, state, and local policymakers to decriminalize mental health in our communities.
