When U.S. Senator Thomas Eagleton (D-MO) publicly mentioned his depression treatment in 1972, it ended his candidacy for vice president. When Democrat Senator John Fetterman made a similar announcement four decades later, it sparked public support from an unlikely ally: his Republican colleague U.S. Senator Ted Cruz.
For too long, we have imposed an unattainable standard of perfection on our leaders, equating flawless public personas with effective leadership. Executives must maintain the confidence of their boards, members of Congress need the trust of their constituents or party, and nonprofit leaders must continuously prove their effectiveness and integrity to donors and stakeholders. We haven’t allowed much wiggle room for the ups and downs of life, expecting leaders to remain unflinchingly steady despite the fact that nearly one in five U.S. adults experiences a mental health issue.
This truth is even more relevant in a town like Washington, DC, where being successful and high-performing is the norm, not the exception. Half of DC residents reported experiencing anxiety or depression but not receiving therapy, and the nation’s capital has the highest rate of substance use disorders of any state. These statistics underscore a stark contrast between the public image of prosperity and the private battles many residents face with mental health.
The conversation around mental health among U.S. lawmakers has evolved remarkably over the years. In 1972, Senator Eagleton's revelation that he had undergone treatment for depression led to intense public scrutiny and political pressure, ultimately resulting in his resignation from the Democratic vice presidential ticket just 18 days after his nomination. This incident highlighted the severe stigma around mental health in politics at the time.
Today, the tide is turning toward a more open dialogue about mental health challenges. The bipartisan response to Senator Fetterman's inpatient care for his mental health issues marks a significant shift. Senate Republican Whip John Thune (R-SD) remarked on the difficulties of political life, acknowledging that Senator Fetterman’s experience “helps people realize and understand the impact that this disease has on people across the country.” Expressing his solidarity, Senator Cruz tweeted, “Mental illness is real & serious and I hope that he gets the care he needs.”
Expressing support for another’s mental health experience is a commendable first step. Being open about one’s own challenges is the essential next step. It’s important for more leaders–no matter the workplace–to be more open about their mental health challenges to foster a more inclusive dialogue and show that mental health does not discriminate based on political party, profession, or salary band. It impacts us all, in some way or another. In fact, roughly half of Americans will experience mental health issues in their lifetimes.
We’re not okay. So why do we act like we are?
People may be hesitant to share their experiences with mental health issues out of fear that people will perceive them as weak or that they’re oversharing. This fear held me back from sharing my own experiences, but I now talk openly about my depression and anxiety because I want to show others they are not alone, and that it’s okay to not be okay.
Openness is increasingly important for public leaders because people crave authenticity. President Biden's most compelling moments often come when he discusses the grief from his son Beau’s death. His vulnerability in these instances builds a deep, resonant connection that fosters trust and shows that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.
The same principle applies across all levels of leadership. When leaders talk openly about their struggles, whether it’s depression, anxiety, or any other mental health challenge, they create an environment where it's safe for others to share and seek support. The same is true for sharing experiences about imposter syndrome or even burnout. Openness is not a sign of weakness but a cornerstone of genuine leadership.
To effectively change the culture around mental health, our leaders must lead by example. They should embrace their own stories of vulnerability, demonstrating that personal struggles do not detract from professional capabilities but rather strengthen human connections. By openly sharing their challenges, leaders can help dismantle the persistent stigma around mental health and inspire a wave of openness and support.
It's okay to not be okay, and it's time we embrace that fully.
Caroline Ponseti is a mental health advocate and a communications strategist at Invariant, a bipartisan government relations and communications firm in Washington, DC.
