Patrick Kennedy’s “A Common Struggle” Focuses National Attention on Mental Health

With the release of Patrick Kennedy’s new book, “A Common Struggle,” mental health and parity (or lack thereof) are at the forefront of conversations, sparking dialogue and discussion across the nation.

The book’s status as an instant New York Times bestseller is heartening as it raises awareness of mental health illness and the devastating impact it often has on family, friends and communities. In calling for unity to end all forms of discrimination surrounding mental health, Kennedy gives a candid portrait of his own struggles with addiction and bipolar disorder. And he offers hope that the laws of today can achieve true parity.

“The Mental Health Parity Act is the equivalent of a medical civil rights act, a brain disease equal rights amendment—the legal end of the discrimination that is at the heart of the stigma of brain diseases,” writes Kennedy. “Our children must be part of the first generation for which routine doctor visits include a ‘checkup from the neck up.'”

Psych-Appeal is honored that our work is mentioned in “A Common Struggle.” We will continue our mission-based goal of advocating for patient rights and expanding access to mental health treatment.