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 and the true extent of his struggle with bipolar disorder. Since then, Kennedy has become an advocate for mental health and substance abuse care, research and policy both in and out of Congress. And ever since working to pass the landmark Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act -- and, after the death of his father in 2009, leaving Congress -- he has been changing the dialogue that surrounds all brain diseases. Focusing on the years from his 'coming out' about his bipolar disorder and prescription drug addiction to the present day, the book examines Kennedy's journey toward recovery and reflects on Americans' propensity to treat mental illness as 'family secrets.' Beyond his own story, Kennedy creates a roadmap for equality in the mental health community, and outlines a plan for the future of mental health policy.