Democrat Jason Kander pulls out of the race for Kansas City mayor to treat PTSD from Afghanistan

Jason Kander has pulled out of the race for mayor of Kansas City, telling supporters he needs to work on his mental health.

Kander, who is considered a rising star in the Democrats that could convincingly stand for President one day, made the announcement on Tuesday via Medium.

The 37-year-old said he was still traumatized from his time in Afghanistan and was experiencing suicidal thoughts. 

Jason Kander (pictured in 2016) has withdrawn from the race for Kansas City Mayor to focus on his mental health 

Though Kander left Afghanistan 11 years ago, he says the thoughts were nothing new, and the only thing that had changed was his readiness to come to terms with his illness and begin working to treat it. 

‘It had been about 11 years since I left Afghanistan as an Army Intelligence Officer, and my tour over there still impacted me every day,’ he explained. 

‘So many men and women who served our country did so much more than me and were in so much more danger than I was on my four-month tour. 

‘I can’t have PTSD, I told myself, because I didn’t earn it.’

Kander said another reason he’d avoided seeking help was because he feared the judgement of others and the effect it could have on his political career.  

Kander said he had struggled to accept what he was feeling was PTSD because he felt others had been worse off and that he hadn't earned the right to feel the way he did

Kander said he had struggled to accept what he was feeling was PTSD because he felt others had been worse off and that he hadn’t earned the right to feel the way he did

But after more than a decade, the former intelligence officer said he had finally accepted what needed to be done.

‘After 11 years of trying to outrun depression and PTSD symptoms, I have finally concluded that it’s faster than me,’ he said.

‘That I have to stop running, turn around, and confront it.’

‘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.’

Kander said he was unable to look after himself and run his campaign at the same time, so he was taking time for himself

Kander said he was unable to look after himself and run his campaign at the same time, so he was taking time for himself

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