Friday, November 13, 2009
© Copyright 2013
Gwinnett Daily Post
Georgia Speaker of the House Glenn Richardson said he's suffered from depression in recent years and at one point tried to commit suicide.
Richardson made the revelations Friday evening in a statement from the House communications office. Richardson's spokesman confirmed the statement, but declined further comment.
Richardson could not be immediately reached.
In the statement, the Hiram Republican said he has struggled with depression for the last two and a half years, since his separation and divorce.
Richardson said his depression became so severe that at one point he ''took substantial steps to do harm to myself and to take my own life.'' No other details were provided.
Richardson said he felt compelled to speak out ''in order to possibly help others.''
Rep. Clay Cox, R-Lilburn, said legislators learned of the speaker's depression during a "very courageous conference call."
Cox said Gwinnett's legislative delegation will support Richardson.
"We're just praying for him. We're behind him," said Cox, a fellow Republican. "I'm his courage for admitting to his depression. ... It's a disease and a condition he is dealing with."
-- Staff writer Camie Young contributed to this report.
More like this story
- Richardson resigns as House speaker ( December 3, 2009 )
- 911 call details Richardson's suicide attempt ( November 16, 2009 )
- Ga. House Republicans choose Ralston for speaker ( December 17, 2009 )
- Ga. leader who resigned in scandal tries comeback ( August 28, 2012 )
- Ga. House Republicans nominate Ralston as speaker ( December 17, 2009 )
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