Kitty Dukakis, humanitarian and activist for mental health, dies at 88 - The Washington Post

Kitty Dukakis, a prominent humanitarian and mental health advocate, has died at the age of 88. Known for her fierce campaigning for her husband, Michael Dukakis, in the 1988 presidential election, she emerged as a significant figure in her own right, publicly addressing her own struggles with addiction and mental health issues. In her later years, she championed the use of electroconvulsive therapy as a treatment for depression, further cementing her influence in the sphere of mental health. Her life was marked by a remarkable mix of public service, personal resilience, and advocacy, forming a legacy that continues to resonate.

Kitty Dukakis, born Katharine Dickson in 1936, was a vibrant, resilient woman who dedicated her life to public service. Born into a wealthy, politically active family in Cambridge, Massachusetts, she was raised with a strong sense of civic duty. Her father, Harry Ellis Dickson, was a prominent conductor and her mother, Jane, was an active member of the League of Women Voters. Dukakis's early life was shaped by this rich political and cultural environment, which laid the foundation for her lifelong commitment to social justice and public service.

Her public life began in earnest when she married Michael Dukakis, a Harvard Law School graduate, in 1963. Together, they would make a formidable political team, with Kitty campaigning fiercely for her husband in his many political endeavors - from his time as Governor of Massachusetts to his run as the Democratic Party's presidential nominee in the 1988 election. Throughout their shared political journey, Kitty Dukakis was a constant presence at her husband's side, an articulate spokesperson and a passionate advocate for the issues she held dear.

Her personal struggles, however, would prove to be as defining for her legacy as her public life. Dukakis battled with alcoholism and addiction for many years, a fight that was often public due to her husband's high-profile political career. Yet, rather than hide her struggles, Dukakis chose to speak openly about them, breaking the stigma around addiction and mental health issues in the process. Her candidness about her personal battles was revolutionary at the time and helped to bring the topic of mental health out of the shadows and into the public discourse.

Despite the challenges she faced, Dukakis never lost her passion for helping others. In the years following her husband's unsuccessful presidential bid, she turned her energy towards advocating for mental health, a cause that was deeply personal to her. She promoted electroconvulsive therapy as a treatment for depression, a procedure she credited with saving her own life. Through her advocacy work, she became a beacon of hope for those struggling with mental health issues, a testament to her resilience and her unwavering commitment to helping others.

Despite the personal battles she fought, Kitty Dukakis never allowed her struggles to overshadow her commitment to public service. Over the years, she became an influential activist, particularly in the fields of mental health and addiction recovery.

Her activism was rooted in her own experiences. For years, Kitty Dukakis battled alcoholism and prescription drug addiction. She faced these issues publicly, using them to raise awareness about the realities of addiction and the importance of seeking help. Her candidness about her struggles and recovery was regarded as a brave and revolutionary approach at a time when such issues were often swept under the rug.

Later in her life, she became a strong advocate for electroconvulsive therapy, a treatment she credited with saving her life after traditional therapies for depression proved ineffective. Her book, "Shock: The Healing Power of Electroconvulsive Therapy," co-authored with Larry Tye, played a significant role in destigmatizing this controversial treatment.

Through her activism and openness, Kitty Dukakis transformed her personal trials into a platform for change, leaving a significant impact on mental health discourse in the United States.

Despite her struggles, Dukakis remained resilient, turning her personal experiences into a driving force for advocacy. Perhaps most notably, she championed electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), a treatment often stigmatized and misunderstood, as a viable option for those battling severe depression.

According to Dr. Sarah Lisanby, Director of the Division of Translational Research at the National Institute of Mental Health, "Kitty Dukakis was instrumental in changing the public perception of ECT. Her candidness about her own experiences helped to destigmatize the treatment and encouraged more people to consider it as a potential path to recovery."

Dukakis herself had undergone ECT treatments and credited them with helping her overcome her alcohol addiction and subsequent bouts of depression. She co-authored a book in 2006, "Shock: The Healing Power of Electroconvulsive Therapy," with Larry Tye, detailing her experiences and aiming to dispel myths about the treatment.

"She was unafraid to share her personal journey, hoping that her openness would inspire others to seek help," says Tye. "Kitty was a tireless advocate, always pushing for better understanding and acceptance of mental health issues and treatments."

Kitty Dukakis, a woman of resilience and courage, leaves behind a legacy that transcends beyond her personal struggles and accomplishments. She was a woman who wore many hats with grace and dignity - a devoted wife, a fierce campaigner, a candid mental health advocate, and a compassionate humanitarian.

Her openness about her own battles with addiction and depression was groundbreaking during a time when such subjects were often swept under the carpet. Her advocacy for electroconvulsive therapy not only brought the treatment into the spotlight but also helped to destigmatize mental health issues and treatments.

As the world bids farewell to Kitty Dukakis, her indomitable spirit and her passionate advocacy for mental health will continue to inspire and motivate future generations. Her life serves as a poignant reminder that personal struggles can be turned into powerful advocacy, positively impacting the lives of countless individuals.

Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/obituaries/2025/03/22/kitty-dukakis-michael-alcoholism-mental-health-dead/