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A common struggle a personal journey through the past and future of mental illness and addiction

On May 5, 2006, the New York Times ran two stories, 'Patrick Kennedy Crashes Car into Capitol Barrier' and then, several hours later, 'Patrick Kennedy Says He'll Seek Help for Addiction.' It was the first time that the popular Rhode Island congressman had publicly disclosed...

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Main Author: Kennedy, Patrick J. 1967-
Other Authors: Fried, Stephen, 1958-
Format: Books Print Book
Language: English
Published: New York, New York : Blue Rider Press, 2015.
Subjects:
First National Bank tribute.
Kennedy, Patrick J. > (Patrick Joseph), > 1967- > Mental health.
United States. > Congress. > House > Biography.
United States. > Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 > Legislative history.
Legislators > United States > Biography.
Manic-depressive persons > Biography.
Drug addicts > Biography.
Medication abuse > Biography.
Patient advocacy > United States.
Mental illness > United States.
Drug abuse > United States.
Autobiographies.
Summary: On May 5, 2006, the New York Times ran two stories, 'Patrick Kennedy Crashes Car into Capitol Barrier' and then, several hours later, 'Patrick Kennedy Says He'll Seek Help for Addiction.' It was the first time that the popular Rhode Island congressman had publicly disclosed his addiction to prescription painkillers, the true extent of his struggle with bipolar disorder, and his plan to immediately seek treatment. That could have been the end of his career, but instead it was the beginning. Since then, Kennedy has become a leading advocate for mental health and substance abuse care, research and policy both in and out of Congress. And ever since working to pass the landmark Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act -- and, after the death of his father, leaving Congress -- he has been changing the dialogue that surrounds all brain diseases. A Common Struggle weaves together Kennedy's private and professional narratives, echoing Kennedy's philosophy that for him, the personal is political and the political personal. Focusing on the years from his 'coming out' about suffering from bipolar disorder and addiction to the present day, the book examines Kennedy's journey toward recovery and reflects on Americans' propensity to treat mental illnesses as 'family secrets.' Beyond his own story, though, Kennedy creates a roadmap for equality in the mental health community, and outlines a bold plan for the future of mental health policy.
Physical Description: 422 pages, 32 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations (some color) ; 24 cm
Bibliography: Includes index.
ISBN: 9780399173325 (hardback)
0399173323 (hardback)
Author Notes: Patrick J. Kennedy, son of Senator Edward "Ted" Kennedy, spent 16 years representing Rhode Island as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. While in office, he fought a national battle to end medical and societal discrimination against mental illnesses. He decided to leave Congress to focus on advocating for brain diseases. He founded the Kennedy Forum and co-founded One Mind for Research. His first book written with Stephen Fried, A Common Struggle: A Personal Journey Through the Past and Future of Mental Illness and Addiction, was published in 2015.

(Bowker Author Biography)

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