The hospitalization of Senator John Fetterman has started a rare conversation about the mental health of politicians
Fetterman hospitalized for clinical depression at Walter Reed Army Medical Center
The revolution has sparked a rare show of bipartisan support in this uniquely divided Congress
Former presidential candidate George McGovern was forced to withdraw running mate and Vice Presidential candidate Thomas Eagleton after Eaggleton admitted he was treated with electroshock therapy for depression.
Eaggleton was withdrawn from the ticket 18 days later
One of my research sources indicated that at least 8 politicians have sought mental health treatment during their terms
The majority sought treatment at the time but didn't reveal it until much later
Former Florida Governor and congressman Lawton Chiles struggled with depression since a 1985 heart surgery
Bipolar disorder was a surprisingly common diagnosis among politicians who sought treatment
With politicians in both houses of Congress dealing with everything from agriculture to national security despite appearances being a member of Congress presents unique stressors
Politicians should be able to seek mental health treatment without judgment from political pundits who often no nothing about the complex nature of mental health conditions
We also need to as a nation be far less judgemental when it comes to mental health treatment for everybody
If you recognize you need mental health treatment you should be given access to it instead of insurance red tape
We need help sometimes it's time we reward the courage to realize that
Sources:
https://thehill.com/changing-america/well-being/mental-health/3862175-8-lawmakers-who-have-publicly-struggled-with-mental-health/
https://6abc.com/sen-fetterman-depression-john-hospitalized-united-states-senate-pennsylvania-senator/12830127https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/healthcare/politicians-admit-mental-health-struggleshttps://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2015/10/politics-mental-illness-history-213276/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2021/04/16/politicians-mental-health-dan-kildee/
