Fellow Council members have expressed support for Harper-Madison during the leave; Mayoroffered, “My staff and I are here for you and our shared constituents. We're lifting you up.” CMcalled 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.
The announcement comes amid a growing national awareness of elected officials’ mental health struggles. Earlier this year, Pennsylvania Sen.sought six weeks of inpatient treatment for clinical depression and returned to the Senate in April. Last month, Harris County Judgeannounced 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.