WATCH: Rep. Tom Kean Jr. says he was recovering from depression during months-long absence from Congress
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Give now to help PBS News start our new fiscal year strong. Close Popup PBS News By — Joshua Barajas Joshua Barajas Rep. Tom Kean Jr., R-N.J., said Tuesday that recovery from depression had sidelined him from public life for months.
"When people hear the word 'depression,' many people think it means feeling sad, but depression is so much more than that," said Kean, speaking from the House floor as he returned to Congress. "It is physical, it is emotional and until you experience yourself, it is difficult to fully understand how powerful this illness can be." WATCH LIVE: House meets as Rep. says he was absent from Congress while recovering from depression Absent for nearly four months, questions around Kean's unspecified medical condition had swirled in recent weeks, as voters in his state chose midterm candidates and Kean missed vote after vote in Congress.
He last voted in early March. Kean said Tuesday that a hospital visit months ago led to him being diagnosed with depression and, under doctors' recommendations, remained at the hospital for treatment. Kean said he thought he could "simply push through" and quickly return to his duties, his family, constituents and Congress, but that he decided to abide by doctors' orders.
Tom Kean Jr.'s absence raises broader questions about Congress
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Independent journalism takes investment Right now, yours goes twice as far. Give now to help PBS News start our new fiscal year strong. Close Popup PBS News By — Mike Catalini, Associated Press Mike Catalini, Associated Press Joey Cappelletti, Associated Press Joey Cappelletti, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — New Jersey Republican Rep.
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