Chronic depression caused monthslong absence, congressman says

Rep. Thomas Kean Jr., R-N.J., returned to Congress Tuesday after a nearly four-month absence from Capitol Hill, during which he missed over 140 votes in the House of Representatives. The congressman entered the hospital several months back to briefly undergo tests, Kean said in a speech from the House floor. Doctors diagnosed Kean with depression during his stay and recommended a continued stay as the fastest route to his recovery.

Kean described being hesitant about a long-term hospital stay, given his responsibilities, but ultimately agreed to his doctors’ recommendation. Kean initially told constituents that he would return to service after a few weeks to deal with an undisclosed medical issue. At the time, he believed in that shorter timetable for his recovery, he told fellow congressmembers on Tuesday.

People think depression means sadness, but depression is a physical and emotional illness that’s difficult to understand except through personal experience, he said. As more than 48 million Americans being treated for depression know, there’s no timeline for healing, he said. Mental health touches every community and family throughout this nation, he added.

Kean separately wrote in a statement that he thought of himself as a private person and found it difficult to share his story. If speaking openly about his mental struggles helped even one person, then it was worth it, he added. Kean characterized himself post-hospitalization as healthier, stronger, and more determined to serve New Jersey.

It remained unclear on Tuesday afternoon how the incumbent lawmaker’s campaign for a third term would be impacted by the extended leave. Kean’s Democratic opposition, Rebecca Bennett slammed the incumbent for missing votes but still trading stocks during his absence. This is the self-serving culture of Washington from career politicians that New Jersey is sick of, she wrote.