Rep. Tom Kean (R-NJ) returned to Capitol Hill this week after being gone for months. He last voted on March 5.
In a speech explaining his absence, Kean revealed that he has been diagnosed with depression.
“This is not an easy speech for me to give,” he said. “I am a private person by nature, and I’ve spent most of my life talking about the people that I represent, the issues facing our communities, and the work that continues to be done. Talking about myself has never come naturally, but I believe that I owe an explanation to the people of New Jersey’s seventh district, to my colleagues in this chamber, and to the American people for my absence.”
“Several months ago, due to health concerns, I entered the hospital for some testing. I did not believe that this would result in a long-term stay. I was given the diagnosis of depression,” he continued. “Now, when people hear the word depression, many people think it means feeling sad, but depression is so much more than that. It is physical, it is emotional, and until you experience it yourself, it’s difficult to fully understand how powerful this illness can be.”
“The doctors recommended that I remain in the hospital to address my illness. They explained to me that this would be the fastest way to recovery, and to be honest, I was hesitant. I didn’t think that I had time for it. I had responsibilities to my family, I had responsibilities to my constituents, I had responsibilities to this institution, and like many people, I believed that I could simply push through. But I agreed to follow my doctor’s recommendations, again, not believing that it would result in a long-term stay, I began to understand not only my diagnosis but how long depression had been affecting my life.”
Dan Scharfenberger, Kean’s Chief of Staff, said in April that the congressman was addressing a “personal health matter.”
