Clement Gascon, the Supreme Court Justice who went missing and was later found safe, has issued a statement citing anxiety and depression as reasons behind his disappearance last week.
鈥淔or over twenty years, I have been dealing with a sometimes insidious illness: depression and anxiety disorders. This is an illness that can be treated and controlled, some days better than others,鈥� Gascon said, citing the responsibility he felt to explain what happened.
Gascon, 59, went missing for several hours last Wednesday after last being seen heading southwest along Wellington Street in downtown Ottawa.
Later that night police said that Gascon had been found safe but have not released any further details.
鈥淎ffected both by the recent announcement of a difficult and heart-rending career decision and by a change in medication, I conducted myself in an unprecedented and unaccustomed manner by going out without warning and remaining out of touch for several hours. I can neither explain nor justify what I understand to have been a panic attack, and I wish to apologize most profusely to all those who suffered as a result,鈥� he said.
Mark Henick, a mental health advocate, told 麻豆传媒 in an email that medication changes can have a dramatic impact on a patient鈥檚 mental state.
鈥淚t is extremely important to have an active plan with your health-care provider to manage medications, including monitoring side effects, withdrawal symptoms, and treatment progress,鈥� he wrote. 鈥淒epending on the medication, the physical and psychological impacts of a medication change can be extreme.鈥�
Henick also had high praise for Gascon鈥檚 decision to be open about what he鈥檚 facing.
鈥滻t can be very helpful for people, especially people with a public profile, to share their personal experience with mental health problems and illnesses,鈥� he wrote in an email. 鈥淢ental health crises are particularly misunderstood and stigmatized.鈥�
Facing questions about Gascon鈥檚 disappearance, the Supreme Court has since said that it still has 鈥渇ull confidence鈥� in his ability to do his job.
Dr. David Gratzer, a psychiatrist with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, agreed that Gascon鈥檚 condition should not have an impact on his work.
鈥淭his is a treatable condition, he鈥檚 seeking care and I think it鈥檚 wonderful,鈥� he said.
Last month, Gascon announced he would be stepping down from the Supreme Court in the fall, citing family and personal reasons. He has served on the country鈥檚 highest court for five years.
鈥淭his health issue has been taken care of and treated with the necessary medical support. I confirm that I am in good health, and am fully capable of performing my duties as a judge,鈥� Gascon said.
