WASHINGTON — First-time U.S. Rep. Yadira Carabeo, a Colorado Democrat, has spoken out about her struggle with depression, saying she recently sought treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center after her symptoms worsened.
Carabeo, 43, a paediatrician, said he went public about his treatment to help eradicate the stigma surrounding mental illness, which many people experience.
“Like many Americans, I suffer from depression. As a physician, I always encourage my patients to put their health first and get the help they need. Over the past few months, my depression has become more severe, so I followed my own advice and decided to seek treatment at Walter Reed Medical Center,” Carabeo said. X Statement on monday.
“I am grateful for the time and care their team has given me as I continue to work in Colorado’s 8th Congressional District – the care that every American deserves.”
Carabeo added that she was sharing her story because she “believes that the stigma around mental illness needs to end in Colorado and across the country.”
“I hope that the millions of people suffering from depression, post-traumatic stress, anxiety and other mental illnesses will seek help,” she said. “I will continue to fight for access to counseling and mental health services so that every American who needs them can have it.”
It’s unclear how her announcement will affect her tough reelection race this fall. Colorado Public RadioCarabeo said her depression caused her to miss some events and votes this spring.
Caraveo, a former state representative, was narrowly elected in 2022 to represent a new district north of Denver, making history as Colorado’s first Latina woman in the House.
She is currently fending off a fierce challenge from Republican state Rep. Gabe Evans. Joe Biden narrowly won Colorado’s now-8th Congressional District in 2020, 50.8% to 46.3%, in a race that the Cook Political Report has described as “close.”
After making the statement, Carabeo received a great deal of support from his colleagues.
“This is true strength,” tweeted Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a Texas Democrat and fellow freshman lawmaker. “Thank you for sharing your story and using your voice to chip away at the stigma still faced by millions of Americans suffering from depression.”
Colorado Democratic Rep. Diana DeGette also called Caraveo a “friend” and an “incredibly promising and outstanding legislator.”
“We are pleased that she is taking the necessary steps to care for herself and are confident that she will come out of this stronger,” DeGette said in a statement.
“Mental health care is health care. Millions of Americans suffer from mental health symptoms and they deserve to receive the care they need to live happy, healthy lives,” DeGette continued. “I admire Yadira’s strength and courage. We must all work together to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health care.”
