BRANFORD, Conn., Oct. 4, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- I am proud of my brother Patrick for his tremendous work to make mental health parity part of our national conversation and I admire him for his candor about his own challenges. However, I am heartbroken that Patrick has chosen to write what is an inaccurate and unfair portrayal of our family. My brother's recollections of family events and particularly our parents are quite different from my own. Our father was a man with an extraordinary capacity for empathy and intimacy who cherished many lifelong friendships; my dad and I shared a deep, emotional bond. Our mother has been fearless and forthright about her own addiction issues, but I strongly believe that her story is hers and hers alone to tell. Mental illness and addiction are critically important issues that deserve a serious discussion -- not a narrative that is misleading and hurtful.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/statement-of-ted-kennedy-jr---response-to-patrick-j-kennedys-book-a-common-struggle-300153780.html

SOURCE Ted Kennedy, Jr.