https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/news/2023-09-25/council-member-natasha-harper-madison-taking-60-day-medical-leave-for-depression/

Council Member Natasha Harper-Madison Taking 60-Day Medical Leave for Depression

By Lina Fisher, September 25, 2023, 12:56pm, Newsdesk

Council Member Natasha Harper-Madison announced today that she will be taking a 60-day medical leave of absence for treatment of anxiety and depression, effective immediately.

“This year has been extremely challenging for me. I live with depression and anxiety. Thankfully these issues can be treated with focused care,” she wrote on the Council message board.

During her absence, staff will continue to work on District 1 issues: Constituent Liaison Director Nikki McCullough, Policy Strategist John Lawler, and Chief of Staff Sharon Mays will manage ongoing projects, communication with D1 residents, and policy work.

Fellow Council members have expressed support for Harper-Madison during the leave; Mayor Kirk Watson offered, “My staff and I are here for you and our shared constituents. We're lifting you up.” CM Mackenzie Kelly called it a “wise and responsible decision. We all understand the immense pressures and demands that come with public service, and it's crucial to take the time you need to address your depression and anxiety with focused care.” CM Leslie Pool wrote, “Please know that my staff and I are here to support you and your team. I have seen you get through extremely challenging times in the past.”

The announcement comes amid a growing national awareness of elected officials’ mental health struggles. Earlier this year, Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman sought six weeks of inpatient treatment for clinical depression and returned to the Senate in April. Last month, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced that she was seeking treatment out of state for recently diagnosed depression and was discharged just last weekend.

“Service is in my heart, as I know it also is for all of you,” wrote Harper-Madison. “I understand the importance of our work and the commitments we have made to our constituents, and I assure you that my decision to take this leave has not been made lightly. I have every intention of returning to my duties in good health with renewed energy and dedication to continuing to serve District 1 and the entire Austin community.”