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

Length: 12 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

In this New York Times best seller, 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.

©2015 Patrick J. Kennedy (P)2015 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Johnny Heller's narration of this audiobook captures Kennedy's isolation as he struggled with alcoholism, drug addiction, and bipolar disorder in plain sight. Heller's skillful narration is complete with a dead-on Boston accent...through Heller's outstanding narration listeners can experience his triumph over his addictions and ultimate recovery." (AudioFile)

“A stunningly unvarnished portrait of one of America’s most private public families...." (People)

"Searching and fearless." (Kevin Cullen, The Boston Globe)

“I, am personally, really proud of Patrick. I think what he’s doing is consistent with everything that my family has stood for...he needed to start that journey by telling his own story of mental illness. I think it’s noble, and it’s heroic, and I have nothing but admiration for him.” (Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Ring of Fire radio)

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.

Outstanding!

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

ASTOUNDING!!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely! Already have re-tweeted, re-posted many times. I'm in recovery & I felt like he did a brilliant job of respectful representation.

What did you like best about this story?

I have often searched for books by and about people in recovery and have usually found that, either, they didn't actually "work" the program & are full of misinformation. Or, they are just trying to exploit what did not work for them as a way to get a "book deal" - bad motives. Kennedy did neither of these. He was always respectful of the "anonymity" factor in our traditions, and, told his own experiences with humility.

Have you listened to any of Johnny Heller’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

A little of both - happy tears that FINALLY - the country is having a conversation about this deadly disease that is killing our kids. Now, maybe we can truly begin to get past the stigma of it all and get on with the solutions!

Any additional comments?

I would encourage ANYONE that is either fighting their own demons, or, that knows someone who is to read this book. Great gift!!

Greater understanding of mental illness

Having lived through a mother with mental illness I was compelled to listen to this book...part of the politics I didn't quite understand but my heart goes out to Patrick to step out of his comfort zone and the restrictions of the family code to tell what his life was like and how hard it is for children of such a horrible disease....I wish him so much happiness in his new found life with his beautiful family

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

not very good

Would you try another book from Patrick J. Kennedy and Stephen Fried and/or Johnny Heller?

no

Would you ever listen to anything by Patrick J. Kennedy and Stephen Fried again?

no

Would you be willing to try another one of Johnny Heller’s performances?

no

Did A Common Struggle inspire you to do anything?

no

Any additional comments?

no wonder we have such a pitiful congress! we have people like him running this country!

Personal Struggles

As a fellow struggler w/ bipolar illness, I appreciated the personal stories of Patrick and his family members. At times I got lost in all the politics (though appreciative of his efforts). I wanted to fast-forward to the non-political narratives!

Very moving!

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

Insightful & Thought Provoking

This is an amazingly open and candid account of how addiction can run rampant within a family. So true are the references to fear.....and societies take on the issue....... More individuals and families are effected by some for of mental illness than to or three other diseases put together. Yes this is a disease and needs to be acknowledged and supported as such. Thank you Mr Kennedy.