Memphis Women Share Their Mental Health Journeys in New Documentary “I AM”

Memphis Women Open Up: A Journey Through Mental Health in New Documentary

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — In a heartfelt exploration of mental health, two local filmmakers, Jessica Chaney and Amanda Willoughby, have brought forward the all-important stories of five Memphis women in their groundbreaking documentary “I AM.” This film delves into the ups and downs of life, motherhood, and careers through the unique lenses of these women, each navigating her own mental health journey.

A Personal Mission

The inspiration behind this documentary is deeply personal for Chaney and Willoughby. Willoughby revealed, “It just really came out of my own struggles with mental health and starting to reach out into the community, especially the Black community and Black women, around how they were working through issues with their mental health and the challenges that they were having.” This understanding and experience are what fueled their desire to shine a light on an often-stigmatized subject.

Interestingly, both filmmakers share a commonality — they are Black women who grapple with anxiety. This connection to the subject matter prompted them to dig deeper, as Willoughby admitted, “We wanted to explore that.” Their goal was to not only share their perspectives but to bring forth the voices of women who typically shy away from discussing their mental health openly.

Discovering Hidden Stories

Throughout the process, Chaney and Willoughby uncovered profound narratives. “I heard things that we’ve never even talked about in private conversations that came out in the interview,” Chaney stated. “I was able to learn how these incredible women deal with their personal struggles while facing incredible challenges in their lives.” It’s a reminder that everyone has stories — some intimate and some incredibly difficult — but often these struggles remain hidden behind a brave face.

The documentary promises to be both eye-opening and relatable, offering insights into how women in Memphis are dealing with their mental health and the secrecy that often accompanies it. The filmmakers have made it their mission to break the silence and shed light on what struggling can look like behind closed doors. “We won’t stop giving a voice to people who might be struggling to speak up,” they said with conviction.

Looking Ahead

Excitingly, Chaney and Willoughby have plans to expand this initiative. Willoughby shared her dreams of transforming this project into a docuseries. “I’ve always wanted to turn this into a docuseries, so that is the dream of getting more stories and more women,” she expressed. The feedback they have received has been nothing short of overwhelming, with numerous women reaching out, eager to share their own narratives. “After putting this out there, we’ve had so many women coming to us telling us, ‘I have some story to tell. When can I get interviewed?’” This enthusiasm and willingness to speak up indicate that the conversation around mental health is perhaps finally starting to shift in Memphis.

How to Watch

If you’re curious to see the powerful stories presented in “I AM,” you can check it out by downloading the PBS app. It’s a fantastic opportunity to gain more insight into the mental health experiences of these remarkable women, showcasing their strength and vulnerability.

In a world where mental health remains a taboo topic in many circles, Chaney and Willoughby are challenging that norm and fostering a supportive community through storytelling. Their journey highlights the importance of speaking up and supporting one another. So, grab your popcorn and get ready for a film that aims to unite, inform, and inspire!