Patrick Kennedy addresses mental illness at event

Patrick Kennedy signs copies of his new novel with his daughter Nora.

Collin Simpson // Staff Writer

 

On Sunday, Nov. 1, Books and Books hosted Patrick J. Kennedy; a famous face in the political world. Patrick Kennedy is the son of the late senator Ted Kennedy as well as nephew of famous U.S. President John F. Kennedy, and was also a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Rhode Island.

Kennedy came to Books and Books with a mission. He has taken on the challenge to be a leading political voice on mental illness, addiction and other brain diseases. He left Congress in 2011 to take on a new role.

He has become an advocate for the treatment and research of brain diseases. On this Sunday afternoon, he stood before a packed audience and disclosed the events of his life to strangers whom he hoped to impact.

Patrick has recently written the book, “A Common Struggle, A Personal Journey Through the Past and Future of Mental Illness and Addiction,” in which he reveals his journey through mental illness and addiction and weaved his story through an array of private and professional narratives. Kennedy wrote his story in conjunction with Stephen Fried, an award-winning healthcare journalist and an adjunct professor at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.

Although some of Kennedy’s family members were not pleased with the publication of private family secrets, he felt the need to break the silence and talk openly about what he and his family have suffered due to mental illness and substance abuse.

In addition to his own addictions, Kennedy discussed his mother’s addiction to alcohol; stressing how it was a non-discussion item when he was young. He also stressed that the need for discussion is imperative in the treatment of addiction and mental illness, as these subjects cannot be taboo. Kennedy emphasized that addiction and mental health illnesses must be treated as medical issues, not personal failures.

For Kennedy, this road has truly been a struggle. In May of 2006, Kennedy crashed his car into a Capitol Hill barrier due to a prescription drug-induced haze. This was his turning point. Hours after the incident, he publicly disclosed his addiction to prescription painkillers and his struggle with bipolar, depression and anxiety disorders.

Kennedy had been in and out of treatment centers since the age of 17, but this time was different. This incident could have ended Kennedy’s political career, yet instead it was the beginning of a realization that change had to occur. Kennedy became an advocate for mental health and substance abuse care, research, and policy both in and out of Congress.

Through this endeavor, Kennedy sponsored the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) in Congress. He left Congress in 2011 and founded the Kennedy Forum, which brings together the community of mental health.

He co-founded “The One Mind for Research Campaign,” which brings together researchers, policymakers and philanthropists to promote brain research through a collaborative effort. Kennedy advocates the need for excellence in mental health services, the importance in working with existing mental health organizations and the need for new tools, standards and laws to bring about change in the American Health Care System to provide more support to the mental health community.

He also advocates the need for a coordinated national effort to support private and public research as a means of bringing more awareness, understanding, and discovering cures for all mental illnesses.

Many people were moved by his presentation, including Books and Books owner/founder Mitchell Kaplan.

“I think tonight’s event was certainly one of the most important events that we’ve had here at the bookstore. It meant so much to so many people to hear Patrick’s story, and also to hear the story of other people in the audience,” said Kaplan.

After his presentation, Kennedy signed copies of his novel for attendees. He was very kind; signing everything that people brought, as well as pausing to take photos with them. During the signing, Kennedy was joined by his young daughter Nora, a happy surprise for all.

Kennedy also had some kinds words for the FIU community. “It’s great that you’re all interested in subjects like this, and studying is the best way is to pursue that interest. I hope you read the back of my book, and you’ll get lots of suggestions in ways to get more involved, even here in your own community. You all have a lot happening here in Miami Dade. You’re all definitely in the right place, that’s all I can say.”

Kennedy is boldly trying to make a difference in the world. His endeavors and book is truly a call to action.

 

All Photos Courtesy of: Collin Simpson

 

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