Representative Thomas Kean Jr. Hospitalized for Depression

Representative Thomas Kean Jr., a Republican from New Jersey, recently announced his hospitalization for depression. This reflects a broader issue, as more than one in four U.S. adults report being diagnosed with depression at some point in their lives. Each year, over 8 percent of adults in the U.S. experience a major depressive episode. More than 500,000 hospitalizations for depressive disorders occur annually.

On Tuesday, Mr. Kean, aged 57, spoke openly about his struggles with depression over the past few months. On the House floor in Washington, he refrained from disclosing specifics of his treatment. Dr. Mark Rapaport, president of the American Psychiatric Association, stated that depression often first appears at a young age, though some individuals may develop it in middle age or later in life.

Dr. Rapaport expressed appreciation for the congressperson’s transparency, emphasizing that depression is a treatable brain disease. He stressed the importance of awareness about its treatability.

A Safe Environment

Experts highlight various reasons for hospitalization due to depression. A significant reason is the presence of suicidal thoughts or self-harm. Providing a safe environment for individuals experiencing such severe symptoms can be crucial for their recovery.