A Film By Sheila Ganz

The documentary-in-progress Piece of Mind illuminates the struggles of families with loved ones and persons living with severe mental illness – for safe thoughts, safe body, safe place.

“Piece of Mind points out so poignantly the stigma and social rejection that persons with serious mental illness suffer and the barriers they encounter every day, so that more people can advocate for this ostracized group.”
-Paul Lam, PsyD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Piece of Mind sheds light on the complex issue of untreated neurological brain illness from three vantage points — Japanese American sisters, Frances and Patricia, whose sister, Teresa diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, was shot by police seven times at age 56, and survived.  A mother, Linda is desperate to get treatment for her son, Jesse 38, who sprays chemicals on his body and is unaware of his schizophrenia.  And the direct experience of Jeff living with bipolar disorder, on the verge of suicide at 53, has a positive encounter with police that becomes a life-changing moment.

These stories are told against the backdrop of systemic inequitues in mental healthcare for persons living with untreated severe mental illness.  How can society help individuals who don’t know they are ill?  Can unnecessary tragedies of homelessness, incarceration and police shootings be averted?  What are the humane solutions?

This timely film by Sheila Ganz, Emmy-nominated Director, Producer, Editor, has a sister living with schizophrenia and felt this story was “staring me in the face.”