Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., revealed in an interview with Politico that he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder as the result of combat he experienced while serving in the Marine Corps.
“I had some particular experiences or regrets from the war that I just thought about every day, and occasionally I’d have bad dreams or wake up in a cold sweat,” the presidential candidate said.
“But because these experiences weren’t debilitating — I didn’t feel suicidal or completely withdrawn, and I was doing fine in school — it took me a while to appreciate that I was dealing with post-traumatic stress and I was dealing with an experience that a lot of other veterans have,” he said.
Moulton made the disclosure as he unveils his plan to expand mental health resources for all Americans, including the military and veterans.
That’s why I’m outlining the boldest, most detailed mental health plan by a presidential candidate this cycle, starting with our veterans. Veterans are at higher risk of mental health challenges like PTS, and their care should set the standard. https://t.co/8hO6Y9RH6q
— Seth Moulton (@sethmoulton) May 28, 2019
The plan includes:
- Make mental health check-ups as routine as a physical for active-duty military and veterans
- Fund yearly mental health screenings for every high schooler in America
- Establish 511 as a National Mental Health Crisis Hotline
As one of the over 20 Democrats running for president, Moulton is polling at 0% both nationally and in New Hampshire, where the country’s first primary will take place.
Moulton is not the first military veteran candidate to admit to having PTSD.
Former Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander, a Democrat and Army veteran, was running for Kansas City mayor when he revealed he had sought treatment for his PSTD. Kander also revealed he would be dropping out of the race to focus on his health.
“I finally went to the VA in Kansas City yesterday and have started the process to get help there regularly. To allow me to concentrate on my mental health, I’ve decided that I will not be running for mayor of Kansas City. I truly appreciate all the support so many people in Kansas City and across the country have shown me since I started this campaign. But I can’t work on myself and run a campaign the way I want to at the same time, so I’m choosing to work on my depression,” he said.
