WASHINGTON (AP) \u2014 New Jersey Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr. disclosed Tuesday that he was being treated for depression during his unexplained four-month absence from the House, suggesting in a brief floor speech that he remained silent about his condition until now because he is a \u201cprivate person by nature.\u201d<\/p>\n
Depression, Kean said, \u201cis physical, it is emotional, and until you experience it yourself, it is difficult to fully understand how powerful this illness can be.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kean\u2019s reappearance came weeks after his victory in an uncontested primary on June 2 and months after he last cast his vote in the House. His speech ended the silence on his condition, yet left questions unanswered. Kean said he first entered the hospital due to health concerns and underwent testing, but offered no further details.<\/p>\n
After the speech, Kean left the Capitol quickly without answering questions from reporters.<\/p>\n
Kean last voted in the House on March 5. His absence had complicated matters for House Republican leaders, who have been struggling to pass bills with their threadbare majority. <\/p>\n
Addressing his earlier statement that he expected to return to work in a matter of weeks, Kean said he believed that at the time and it was his doctors\u2019 best estimate.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut as the over 48 million of my fellow Americans being treated for this illness have come to discover there is no timeline for healing,\u201d Kean said. <\/p>\n
\u201cToday I stand before you healthier, stronger and excited to return to the work that I love.\u201d<\/p>\n