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Share Your Experience with Mental Illness and the Criminal Justice System

People with mental illness are overrepresented in our nations’ jails and prisons. Approximated 5,000 times per day, someone with a mental illness is booked into jail. At NAMI, we know the impact this has on our community.  

  • Individuals are met with handcuffs instead of the help they need  

  • Families worry that their loved ones aren’t receiving necessary care while incarcerated  

  • Individuals reenter their communities after incarceration without support and access to care  

We know these stories well. But so many of our neighbors, friends and colleagues have overlooked them. It’s up to us to change that. Do you have lived experience with the justice system? Your story can change the hearts and minds of your neighbors and policymakers. 

Tips for Sharing Your Story

While your story is always right, how you tell it matters. Please try to keep your story short – around 250 words. Unfortunately, we aren’t able to review stories that are longer than 500 words. When you tell your story, use these questions to guide you. 

  • What happened? Tell us about what led to your interaction with the criminal justice system.  

  • What helped? If you weren’t able to get help, you can share what would have helped you or other people in your situation. 

  • How are you doing now? How did this experience impact you? 

  • (Optional): What do you wish people understood about mental health and the criminal justice system? 

By sharing your story, you agree that NAMI may use your story (in any part, full or edited) for the purpose of advocating. This may include sharing your story with the media, using your story in alerts or in letters to elected officials. NAMI will only use your first name and last initial and your state for identification purposes. You also agree that NAMI may reach out to you with follow-up questions or for clarification. NAMI does not provide personal advocacy or legal services. If you need mental health resources, email info@nami.org or call 1-800-950-6264. If you or somebody you know is in a mental health crisis, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 (Deaf and Hard of Hearing: dial 711 then 988). 

Act now!

NAMI champions better care and better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental health conditions. Join our movement!

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