Democratic New York Rep. Ritchie Torres expressed sympathy Tuesday for New Jersey GOP Rep. Tom Kean Jr., after the lawmaker revealed he was hospitalized for depression recently, but urged him to be more transparent in the future.

Kean made the revelation earlier Tuesday, explaining that the medical condition that kept him away from the halls of Congress since March was depression. Kean said the diagnosis came when he entered the hospital for "some testing," and the depression left him under the doctors' care while he spent months recovering. 

"As someone who has lived with depression, I have deep sympathy for anyone struggling with mental illness," Torres said on X. "I might not be alive today were it not for a prolonged hospitalization and proper medication. I know the value of taking a medical leave firsthand.

"At the same time, public office carries a duty of transparency," he continued. "When a public official is absent for an extended period, the public has a right to an honest explanation."

Torres indicated that his Republican colleague should have been more transparent earlier in the process, stating that "the public is often most forgiving of those who level with them."

"Transparency deepens the public’s empathy, whereas secrecy breeds suspicion," he said. "When in doubt, err on the side of transparency. Tell the truth, and tell it early."

Kean told supporters in April that he would return to Capitol Hill on a full schedule "very soon," after he disappeared for weeks because of a medical issue. Kean last voted on March 5, and he has missed more than 140 votes since. 

The lawmaker had not provided details on his health issue prior to Tuesday's speech, only saying it is "personal." 

"I'm grateful that I accepted help, because today I stand before you stronger, healthier and excited to return to the work that I love," Kean said in an emotional speech on the House floor.

The Republican is seeking another term in Congress and won his party's nomination earlier this year, despite the absences. 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.