Minneapolis City Council member Aisha Chughtai has announced that she is taking a one-month mental health leave of absence.

Chughtai released a statement saying in part that she will be addressing her mental health through a program for clinical depression and anxiety.

She said the toll from “several mass shootings,” the municipal election and Operation Metro Surge contributed to her decision to step away.

Her full statement is below:

“Representing, organizing, protecting, 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. Like 23% of American adults, I also work everyday to manage my mental health. I have ignored my own need for more help for too long. That’s why I want to share some personal news. I will be taking a leave from the city for a month to address my mental health through a rigorous outpatient program for clinical depression and anxiety. 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.”

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