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.
IMPACT HIGHLIGHTS
Through her film, Tabatha focused on breaking the stigma around mental health and showed how early intervention and community-led solutions can help heal and prevent compounded trauma, while advocating for policies that divert individuals with mental illnesses from incarceration to appropriate treatment.
Campaign highlights:
Mama, I’m Different screened at Justice on Trial and Indianapolis Black Documentary Film Festival.
Tabatha presented alongside her film at NYC Peer Justice Initiative’s annual conference to 85 community advocates.
Hosted community screenings in Georgia with reentry organizations Women on the Rise, Greater Gwinnett Reentry Alliance, and NewLife-Second Chance Outreach.
Tabatha’s film and story reached over 55,000 people nationwide.
Special thanks to the following partner organizations:
Greater Gwinnett Reentry Alliance
Women on the Rise GA
NewLife-Second Chance Outreach, Inc
Indianapolis Black Documentary Film Festival
Georgia Department of Corrections
Justice on Trial Film Festival
The NYC Peer Justice Initiative
