San Francisco Supervisor Jackie Fielder is set to return to City Hall on Monday after a three-month leave of absence for mental health issues. Fielder, who represents the Mission District, had checked herself into a hospital in March and initially planned to resign from her position.

Return to Office

However, after learning she could take medical leave, Fielder decided to take a break and focus on her mental health. During her time off, she prioritized self-care, getting enough sleep, eating regularly, and exercising. Fielder stated that she feels ready to return to work and is prepared to tackle her responsibilities as supervisor.

Fielder’s role as District 9 supervisor has been especially grueling, with the district facing numerous challenges, including a high immigrant population, skyrocketing rents, and increased evictions. Despite these challenges, Fielder is committed to serving her constituents and has named two immediate legislative priorities: authorizing “Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations” to help street food vendors and building more public bathrooms across the city.

Fielder’s experience with mental health issues has also sparked a conversation about the importance of mental health among politicians. While discussions of mental health are rare in the political sphere, Fielder’s openness about her struggles may help to reduce stigma and encourage others to prioritize their mental well-being.

Original reporting: Mission Local — read the source article.