POLITICS

Greens Senator Scott Ludlam Takes Leave From Politics To Treat His Depression And Anxiety

'Friends, I am taking a leave of absence to treat depression and anxiety.'

04/11/2016 6:07 PM AEDT | Updated 04/11/2016 6:42 PM AEDT
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Ludlam will treat his anxiety and depression.

Greens Senator Scott Ludlam has gone public with his mental health and announced he is taking leave from the Senate to treat his depression and anxiety.

Announcing his temporary departure from Canberra on Friday night, Ludlam said he was taking a break from politics to treat his mental health.

"Friends, I am taking a leave of absence to treat depression and anxiety," Ludlam said.

"These are issues I've been dealing with for a while."

The Greens Senator said he would return to work as soon as possible in a Facebook post which you can read in full here.

He's not the first politician to announce a brief departure from politics to deal with their mental health.

Former Liberal MP Andrew Robb took leave for six months, after coming to terms with his depression in 2010.

If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For further information about depression contact beyondblue on 1300224636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.

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