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. Written with award-winning healthcare journalist and best-selling author Stephen Fried, A Common Struggle is both a cry for empathy and a call to action.
Patrick J. Kennedy is a former member of the U.S. Congress, the
nation's leading political voice on mental illness, addiction and
other brain diseases, and the New York Times bestselling co-author
of A Common Struggle. During his 16-year career representing Rhode
Island, he fought a national battle to end medical and societal
discrimination against mental illnesses, highlighted by his lead
sponsorship of the Mental Health Parity and Addictions Equity Act
of 2008-and his brave openness about his own health challenges.
Soon after his father, Senator Edward "Ted" Kennedy, passed away,
he left Congress to devote his career to advocacy for mental
health. He has since founded The Kennedy Forum, which unites the
community of mental health, and co-founded One Mind for Research,
as well as other non-profit organizations addressing these issues.
He lives in New Jersey with his wife, Amy, and their five
children.
Stephen Fried is an award-winning journalist and New York Times
bestselling author who teaches at Columbia University and the
University of Pennsylvania. He is the author, most recently, of the
historical biographies RUSH and Appetite for America and co-author,
with Congressman Patrick Kennedy, of A Common Struggle; his earlier
books include Thing of Beauty, Bitter Pills and The New Rabbi. A
two-time winner of the National Magazine Award, Fried has written
frequently for Vanity Fair, GQ, The Washington Post Magazine,
Glamour, and Philadelphia Magazine. He lives in Philadelphia with
his wife, author Diane Ayres.
“A stunningly unvarnished portrait of one of America’s most private
public families..."
--People
"Searching and fearless." --Kevin Cullen, The Boston Globe
"[Patrick Kennedy] has undeniably turned his fame toward a good
cause — of raising understanding about the prevalence of mental
illness and addiction in our society, and the need to help our
brothers and sisters who cannot help themselves. There are easier
ways to make money than speaking out honestly about one’s own life,
and we admire the courage Mr. Kennedy has shown in discussing these
difficult issues."
--Editorial Board, Providence Journal
"Fascinating ... This book is a must-read, not only for those
suffering from mental health and substance use disorders, but also
for the professionals who treat them and for those who pay for that
treatment."
--Dr. George Koob, Director National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and
Alcoholism, Clinical Psychiatry News
"Kennedy's eye-opening book is a public call for action. "A Common
Struggle" also is a call for understanding, not only for those with
mental illness, but for all those affected by the mostly
misunderstood, and often devastating, illness. As Kennedy points
out, no one is immune from mental illness." --Wichita Times
“His new memoir, which recounts the troubles he and his famous
family experienced, will help move the needle when it comes to
public policy regarding mental health and substance abuse.... it
shine[s] a needed light on a serious problem.”
--Editorial Board, The Oklahoman
“If your readers do nothing else today, they should buy or order
this remarkable book ... I always admired Kennedy’s passion and
willingness to fight not only on mental illness issues but also
such topics as gay rights and gun control. This book should enhance
your understanding and appreciation of the work he did in
Congress and the ambitious mental health initiatives he is leading
now. And for the happiness of his marriage and fatherhood...”
--Charlie Bakst, on WPRI TV blog
“I think Patrick Kennedy is quite courageous for bringing this book
out. ... What he is doing is really the equivalent of what Betty
Ford did when she exposed her own alcoholism."
--Dr. Thomas McLelland, former deputy director of the White House
Office of National Drug Control Policy, on MSNBC
"Patrick Kennedy should receive a profile in courage award for his
book, A Common Struggle..."
-- Dan Rea, CBS-TV Boston
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