Jason Kander is a rising star in Democratic politics. Though he fell short in the 2016 Missouri Senate race, he ran strong in a tough state in a tough year. He then went on to become a leader on voting rights issues at the head of Let America Vote, and began a strong campaign for the 2019 Kansas City mayoral election. Tuesday, he dropped out, citing his decision to seek treatment for PTSD and depression stemming from his time as an Army intelligence officer in Afghanistan, including suicidal thoughts.
“When I wrote in my book that I was lucky to not have PTSD,” he wrote in a statement and email to supporters, “I was just trying to convince myself. And I wasn’t sharing the full picture. I still have nightmares. I am depressed.” Kander is getting the help he needs, and he’s taken another step:
Having made the decision not to run for mayor, my next question was whether I would be public about the reason why. I decided to be public for two reasons: First, I think being honest will help me through this. And second, I hope it helps veterans and everyone else across the country working through mental health issues realize that you don’t have to try to solve it on your own. Most people probably didn’t see me as someone that could be depressed and have had PTSD symptoms for over decade, but I am and I have. If you’re struggling with something similar, it’s OK. That doesn’t make you less of a person.
I wish I would have sought help sooner, so if me going public with my struggle makes just one person seek assistance, doing this publicly is worth it to me. The VA Crisis Line is 1–800–273–8255, and non-veterans can use that number as well.
Jason Kander is still a star. He’s still leading, even if he’s doing so by not running.