Congresswoman Yadira Caraveo seeks treatment at Walter Reed for depression

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DENVER (KDVR) — U.S. Congresswoman Yadira Caraveo announced Monday that she recently sought care from Walter Reed Medical Center for her depression.

Caraveo is a Democrat representing Colorado’s 8th Congressional District, which includes most of Adams County and some of Larimer and Weld counties. On her U.S. House of Representatives website, Caraveo says she is a pediatrician and was Colorado’s first Latina federal representative, elected in 2022.

In a statement released Monday afternoon, Caraveo said her struggle with depression became more severe in recent months, leading to her seeking care at Walter Reed in Washington, D.C.

“As a doctor, I always urge my patients to take care of their health first and receive the support that they need,” Caraveo said. “I am grateful for the time and attention their team has provided me with – the type of care every American deserves – while continuing the work for Colorado’s 8th district.”

She went on to say she shared her struggle in an effort to de-stigmatize mental illness for Coloradans and Americans alike.

“It is my hope that the millions of people who struggle with depression, post-traumatic stress, anxiety or any other mental health issues seek help,” she said. “I will continue to fight for access to counseling and mental health services so that any American that ever needs it, has access to it.”

Caraveo has been the primary sponsor of three bills regarding mental health in the 118th Congress: The Latino Youth Mental Health Empowerment Act, the Youth Suicide Prevention Research Act, and the Strengthening Our Pediatric Mental Health Workforce, all of which were referred to various subcommittees in May.

Rep. Diana DeGette, a Democrat representing Colorado’s 1st Congressional District, released a statement of support for her colleague, calling her an “exceptional legislator with incredible promise.”

“I am glad to see that she is taking the steps necessary to care for herself, and I know that she will come out stronger on the other side,” DeGette wrote. “Mental health care is health care. Millions of Americans are impacted by mental health conditions, and they deserve access to the care they need to live happy and healthy lives. I admire Yadira’s strength and courage, as we all must work together to end the stigma around mental health care.”

Caraveo is in the throes of a reelection race against state Rep. Gabe Evans, set to culminate with the election in November. He gave a statement to FOX31 on Monday.

“My heart goes out to her and I wish her only the best. I’m glad to hear she is getting the treatment she needs. As someone who has witnessed and consoled several friends and colleagues who have faced depression privately, I’m glad to see her discuss her challenges publicly,” Evans said.

Caraveo isn’t the first member of Congress to seek help for mental illness. In May, Sen. John Fetterman, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, told MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough that treatment works, that mental health is “not a matter of who’s tough and who’s not” and anyone struggling should seek treatment.

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Heather Willard

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