Another Number
The Mental Health Crisis
90% of Americans feel we are in a mental health crisis. [1]
​
In the United States, the annual economic cost of mental illness is estimated to be $282 billion, which includes both direct and indirect costs. However, the total funding for mental health services in the US in 2023 was $10 billion [7] [8].​​
​
Only 31% of people with psychosis receive sufficient treatment. [2]
​
Nearly 1 in 4 people shot and killed by police officers between 2015–2020 had a mental health condition. [3]​
​
23% of adults experiencing continuous mental health issues were not able to see a doctor due to finances. [3]
​​
About 2 in 5 people who are incarcerated have a history of mental illness (37% in state and federal prisons and 44% held in local jails). [6]
​
Nearly 20% of children and young people in the United States have a mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral disorder, and suicidal behaviors among high school students increased more than 40% in the decade before 2019. [4]
​​
About 3 in 5 people (63%) with a history of mental illness do not receive mental health treatment while incarcerated in state and federal prisons. [6]
​
Approximately 67% of homeless individuals currently have some form of mental illness, and 77% have experienced mental illness at some point in their lives. [5]
Sources
[1] CNN Kipler Family Foundation - https://www.kff.org/report-section/kff-cnn-mental-health-in-america-survey-findings/
[2] World Health Organization (WHO) - https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/schizophrenia
[3] National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-by-the-numbers/
[4] National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK587174/
[5] US News - https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2024-04-17/most-homeless-americans-are-battling-mental-illness
[6] National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - https://www.nami.org/advocacy/policy-priorities/improving-health/mental-health-treatment-while-incarcerated/
[7] US News - https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2024-04-24/282-billion-what-mental-illness-costs-america-each-year
[8] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)- https://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/press-announcements/20230313/seeking-funding-fy-2024-bolster-mental-health-substance-use-services
DONATE
Donating supports a dedicated team of professionals by providing access to the proper equipment and diverse locations that are crucial to the success of the documentary. Securing the budget will allow us to tell Maria’s story, and others like hers, with the depth and sensitivity they deserve. Our hope with the film is to spark a much-needed conversation about mental health, with the goal of destigmatizing the issue and advocating for meaningful systemic reform.
Crew & Equipment
This is our largest expense, as producing an impactful documentary requires significant time and effort. Professional equipment and a skilled crew are essential to capture Maria's story with the quality it deserves, ensuring a polished final product.
Post & Beyond
We have countless hours of footage, ranging from the mid-1990s to the present day. A strong post-production team is crucial for managing this vast amount of content. Additionally, we aim to distribute the film and submit it to major festivals.
Revolutionary Treatments
Full funding will enable Maria to receive cutting-edge treatment. Institutions like UT Austin and Harvard have made groundbreaking advancements in treating mental illness. Documenting this process could pave the way for future treatments.
Flights & Lodging
Our interviewees come from all over the world, with some needing to fly to us, while others will require us to travel to them. Beyond flights, we'll need to arrange accommodations, meals, and local transportation for everyone involved.