WASHINGTON — First-term Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Colo., shared her story about her struggle with depression, saying she recently received treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center after it worsened.
Caraveo, 43, a pediatrician, said he disclosed his treatment to help reverse the mental illness many others experience.
“Like many Americans, I struggle with depression. As a doctor, I always urge my patients to put their health first and get the support they need. In recent months, my depression has worsened, so I decided to seek my own counseling and seek treatment at Walter Reed Medical Center,” said Caraveo. A statement about X on monday.
“As I continue to work for Colorado’s 8th District, I am grateful for the time and attention their teams have given me – the kind of care every American deserves.”
Caraveo added that she is sharing her story “because I believe we need to destigmatize mental illness in Colorado and in our country.”
“I hope the millions of people who struggle with depression, post-traumatic stress, anxiety or any other mental health issue seek help,” she said. “I will continue to fight for access to counseling and mental health services so that every American who needs them has access.”
It’s unclear how his announcement will affect his tough re-election race this fall. in an interview with Colorado Public RadioCaraveo said depression caused him to miss some events and voting last spring.
Caraveo, a former state legislator, won election in 2022 to represent a new congressional district north of Denver, making history as Colorado’s first Latino congressman.
He is now trying to fend off a fierce challenge from Republican state Rep. Gabe Evans. In 2020, Joe Biden won Colorado’s 8th district today by a close margin, 50.8% to 46.3%. The Cook Political Report calls the race a “toss-up.”
After making his statement, Caraveo received an outpouring of support from his colleagues.
Freshman Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, tweeted, “This is real power.” “Thank you for sharing your story and using your voice to break the stigma that millions of Americans who suffer from depression still face today.”
And a fellow Colorado Democrat, Rep. Diana DeGette called Caraveo a “friend” and “an exceptional legislator with incredible promise.”
“I’m glad to see that he’s taking the necessary steps to take care of himself and I know he’ll come out stronger on the other side,” DeGette said.
“Mental health is health care. “Millions of Americans are affected by mental health conditions, and they deserve access to the care they need to live happy and healthy lives,” DeGette continued. “I admire Yadira’s strength and courage because we all need to work together to end the stigma around mental health.”