Post

Aisha Chughtai
@aishaforward10.com

Like millions of Americans, I work to manage my mental health daily. I’ve long ignored my need for more help. That’s why I’m sharing some personal news. I’m taking a leave from the City for a month to get help at a rigorous outpatient program for clinical depression and anxiety.

Aisha Chughtai
@aishaforward10.com

Representing, organizing with, and showing up for your neighbors is a rewarding and challenging job. The last year has brought unique challenges that have affected every person in our communities, from a high-stakes election, to several mass shootings, and a federal occupation.

Aisha Chughtai
@aishaforward10.com

My office will remain open to continue serving the people of Ward 10 but I will be absent for one Council Meeting on July 16. I love representing the people of this Ward. It’s the greatest honor of my life. And that’s why I feel obligated to do so to the best of my abilities.

Aisha Chughtai
@aishaforward10.com

Because of the current state of my mental health, I fear falling short of that obligation. That’s why I’m briefly stepping back. I fully expect to return energized and ready to give more than ever for the people of Ward 10 and everyone in the city.

Aisha Chughtai
@aishaforward10.com

Everyone deserves to feel that they have the space, resources, and support to care for their own basic health, and that includes mental health. I want to thank everyone who has shown me grace and support across my tenure on the Council, including my colleagues.

2 reposts111 likes

Aisha Chughtai
@aishaforward10.com

I wanted to be honest, and fully transparent, with all of you about my absence, because you deserve nothing less. I know that when I return, I’ll be back stronger, ready to form deeper partnerships, and ready to fight even harder for our neighbors. Thank you ✊🏽♥️

taylr
@taylordahlin.com

❤️❤️ thank you for being open about this and showing people how important it is to take care of mental health

Amy Elizabeth
@amyelizabeth.bsky.social

As an anxious and depressed person, I am sending you all my love and support. I am so grateful to see a leader normalizing talking about mental health and taking time to get help from trained professionals. Thank you so much for your service to your community and the country. 💕

MN Melissa
@melcro4.bsky.social

Thank you for sharing something so many people are afraid to ask for help with, and for the reminder that we all deserve to feel safe and healthy 💜

Natalie
@natybee88.bsky.social

Thank you, CVP Chughtai, for being so open about what's happening in your life. It takes a great deal of courage to share something that still carries stigma. Like others, it makes me proud that you, as my CM, are prioritizing your mental health and self-care. I hope it is a supportive experience!

Jesse Mortenson
@jk9.bsky.social

Thank you, councilmember. Good luck with support and recovery; those are beasts to struggle with. Will someone else be serving as majority leader while you’re out?