A Common Struggle

A Personal Journey Through the Past and Future of Mental Illness and Addiction

By: Patrick J. Kennedy, Stephen Fried

Narrated by: Johnny Heller

In this New York Times bestseller Patrick J. Kennedy, the former congressman and youngest child of Senator Ted Kennedy, details his personal and political battle with mental illness and addiction, exploring mental health care's history in the country alongside his and every family's private struggles.

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 the nation’s leading advocate for mental health and substance abuse care, research and policy both in and out of Congress. And ever since passing 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. 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.

Critic reviews

“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

Outstanding!

A must read for all living with or caring for a loved one with mental illness or addiction.

Inspiring

the depth of his journey left me in awe of him and admiring the person he has become . The narrator read with the same emotions that Patrick had written it. At times I had to remind myself that Patrick was narrating this book. This is one book worth listening to again.

Personal & educational

Patrick Kennedy's story wrapped within that of his parents and extended family is one in common with so many not as famous or advantaged. The lives of the Kennedy's are tabloid popcorn so that is of interest but this book educates us about the many forms of brain illness- alcoholism, drug addiction, mental illness and post traumatic stress. Patrick turned his personal illness, a "lemon" into lemon aid, a life's work for mental health parity.

informative

I truly healful, eye opening ! My daughter is biplar 1 and an addict, very helpful. thank you Dawn

Very moving!

Patrick told his story openly and honestly and his work is changing the way America sees mental health and addiction issues.