People often ask me after they've seen Out of the Shadow, “How is your mother doing now?” Does she still live in the same place? Does she still have her job?

I am happy, and relieved to report that my mom is doing quite well. She has her good days and not-so-good days. But, by and large she's doing really well. She now lives in an assisted living home, where elderly people live. She's hardly elderly, at 66. They call her the youngster! She enjoys it, and frankly, is relieved to not be living in various rehab situations, surrounded by people with visible mental illnesses. Understandably, she's always has trouble being labeled “mentally ill.” And I think it's very hard for her to know that she's lived so much of her life in crisis situations, surrounded by people with serious mental illnesses, either in hospitals or ACT (Assertive Community Treatment) settings.

More than anything, my mother wants her privacy and in this regard the film has been difficult for her. While I was filming, we really enjoyed the time we spent together and I think she really enjoyed the additional attention. But, after the film came out, she was very modest about the attention, and unsettled by her exposure. Frankly, we all had a hard time adjusting to that. I have told my mom countless times that she's a heroine and role model for many people. I pass on all the emails she receives. She's been told time and again that she's an inspiration to many people. But she's so humble that she doesn't believe me, which saddens me a great deal. I wish she could see what an incredible woman she is, and how strong and resilient she is. I wish she could feel the admiration that I see people express toward her.