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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 ✊🏽♥️

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

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. 💕

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 💜

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!

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?