Lost and broken: Rep. Adam Smith’s reflections on mental health, health care, and the US armed forces

To most, he was at the peak of success — a husband and father, elected representative of the 9th District of the state of Washington, and top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee. Yet every day was a ruthless, unseen battle for Rep. Adam Smith. Debilitating anxiety, fear, and severe physical pain were his constant shadows. Thus began his six-year journey looking for the right diagnosis and treatment and facing the severe shortcomings of our nation’s health care system and mental health stigmas. In his memoir “Lost and Broken: My Journey Back from Chronic Pain and Crippling Anxiety,” Rep. Smith candidly details his path from rock bottom to self-love, self-worth, and understanding and shares what he learned along the way in the hope that he can help others facing similar challenges.

On July 25, join the Strobe Talbott Center for Security, Strategy, and Technology at Brookings for a fireside conversation with Rep. Smith on his personal story, mental health, and the health care system writ large, and, more specifically, the importance of addressing the state of mental health in our armed forces.

Online viewers can submit questions via e-mail to [email protected] or via Twitter @BrookingsFP using #LostandBroken.

Registration is required to attend an event in person and guests at Brookings are required to attest to their state of health before attending. Visitors may not enter the building if they are feeling ill for any reason, have any symptoms commonly associated with COVID-19, or have tested positive for COVID-19 at any time in the preceding 14 days.