GOP Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Treated for Depression in 1980s
Reports of a state senator’s 1980s treatment for depression and exhaustion became an issue in the lieutenant governor’s race late Thursday, when the Quorum Report, a political newsletter, unearthed court papers detailing Dan Patrick’s medical history.
In his deposition in a lawsuit, Patrick, whose legal name at the time was Dannie Scott Goeb, said he was diagnosed as having a chemical imbalance in the early 1980s and said he was hospitalized at Spring Shadows Glen in “late ’84 or early ’85, possibly.” He also said the treatment consisted entirely of rest. “I absolutely did nada,” he said in the deposition. “You know, there may have been something I don’t remember. But, you know, I did nothing but sleep, sleep, sleep.”
He was asked in the deposition, related to a lawsuit over an altercation with a newspaper reporter, whether he had suffered a nervous breakdown, and said, “No.” He also said he had not told any doctors he was on the verge of a nervous breakdown.
Later in the deposition, Patrick said he was admitted into Memorial City Hospital in June 1982 for “a week, two weeks” of rest. Asked if he considered that “a significant event in his life,” he answered, “no.” And he said that the diagnosis of a chemical imbalance was made after tests taken during that stay.
More at http://www.texastribune.org/2014/05/15/report-patrick-treated-depression-1980s/ .
[font color=green]With my mental health issues I believe that I have the right to comment on this article. First, receiving treatment for depression should not disqualify any candidate for political office. However, the article notes that Patrick had a chemical imbalance which means that he probably should be taking some type of medication to alleviate the chemical imbalance. Is he currently receiving any type of medication or is he seeking psychiatric care or counseling on a regular basis so that his depression does not reoccur?
Further down in the article is a section where his doctor, Dr. Stephen Kramer of Houston states:[/font]
[font color=green]I am dubious about that remark since Dan Patrick repeatedly demonstrates his cognitive impairment and I also believe that a relapse into depression is possible. If Dan Patrick did not receive therapy to learn how to handle stress, he is not receiving counseling and/or he is not taking any medication to correct the chemical imbalances, then he is subject to another occurrence of depression.
I believe that the social stigma that accompanies mental health issues is overstated since most people can keep their mental health issues under control with proper treatment--be it medication or counseling. Furthermore, I believe that the release of this documentation is a "hit piece" by his opponents. However, questions about whether he is receiving adequate treatment or whether he is subject to a relapse are valid for voters to ask.[/font]
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However, the cost of counseling is very prohibitive so I understand why some people only take antidepressants.
I'm surprised that the story happening in your neck of the woods hasn't received more attention though. 
