District 1 Council Member Natasha Harper-Madison was back on the dais for the Housing and Planning Committee meeting Tuesday after going on medical leave in September. She cited mental health reasons for her leave at the time.

Harper-Madison, who has been on the City Council since 2018, said during the Housing and Planning meeting on Tuesday that she made her re-entry this week.

In late September, Harper-Madison said that she would be taking a 60-day medical leave.

“This year has been extremely challenging for me. I live with depression and anxiety. Thankfully these issues can be treated with focused care,” Harper-Madison posted to the Austin City Council message board in September.

Harper-Madison’s office did not immediately respond to the American-Statesman’s request for a comment on her return Wednesday.

Other elected officials take leaves of absence for mental health

Harper-Madison is not the only elected official in Texas or the country to take time away from office for mental health reasons recently.

In August, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo temporarily stepped back from her administrative duties to seek treatment for clinical depression.

Hidalgo has since returned to office and said in an Oct. 2 news release: “With the treatment I’ve received, it no longer feels like I’m in a constant fight against depression.”

“I hope that others who are struggling will look to my experience and feel empowered to get the help they need instead of suffering in silence,” Hidalgo said.

U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., also recently stepped away from office to receive treatment for clinical depression. Shortly thereafter, many politicians shared their own stories about struggling with mental health.

Following Harper-Madison’s September decision to take medical leave, several of her colleagues shared their support.

“Be well. Thanks for your service and passion,” Austin Mayor Kirk Watson wrote on the city council message board in September. “My staff and I are here for you and our shared constituents. We’re lifting you up.”

District 7 Council Member Leslie Pool wrote in September, “Natasha, I wish you all the best as you take the time needed to heal. Please know that my staff and I are here to support you and your team. I have seen you get through extremely challenging times in the past.”

During Tuesday’s Housing and Planning meeting, some of Harper-Madison’s colleagues on the Austin City Council shared their excitement for her return.