Mental Illness

For information or help for yourself or a family member with mental illness contact www.nami.org

Recovery is possble. Watch this video of Stephen Boyd's journey to recovery with the help of Contra Costa's Putnam House http://putnamclubhouse.org/member-stories/

What the mental health field is saying about Approaching Neverland:

"As a mental health writer, I was struck by Kennedy's portrayal of her mom, Barbara. In many books, TV shows and movies, even today, individuals with mental illnesses are depicted as one-dimensional. Their disorder is intertwined with their identity. It becomes, "Oh, she's a schizophrenic," or "he's an anorexic." The illness overshadows a person's personality, talents and other traits.

Approaching Neverland, however, shows a complete, three-dimensional person, who, yes, suffers from mental illness, but also is loving and creative, has a great sense of humor and cares deeply for her family. Moreover, despite what many think about schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, Barbara was a strong, resilient and multifaceted woman. In fact, during many instances, she becomes the family's rock."    Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S, Psych Central

"Approaching Neverland will go a long way toward helping break down the stigma surrounding mental illness and bipolar disorder."
Dr. Gifford Boyce-Smith, President, NAMI-San Francisco

"Approaching Neverland is a top pick for those seeking memoirs on Bipolar Disorder and its effects on parenting."
Midwest Book Review

"Psychotherapists need to order Approaching Neverland NOW, read it and share it with clients and colleagues."
Maure Quilter, LMFT, The Therapist Magazine

"Approaching Neverland is an inspiring and beautiful life story."
Fran Martin, NAMI Contra Costa,

"Approaching Neverland helped me get through my Post Partum Depression."

"Kennedy depicts the stability provided by her firefighter father, the love her mother gave when well, and the tight-knit support of her four older siblings."
Bipolar Magazine