Dallas County DA Upbeat As She Returns To Work After Being Treated For Depression
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DALLAS (CBSDFW) - Given the highly publicized firings of her top staff, her alleged erratic behavior and her bout with depression, Susan Hawk has had a rough start as Dallas County DA.
So on her first day back to work in nine weeks, Hawk looked forward.
With her leadership team standing behind her, Hawk told reporters, "I'm excited to be back at work here today. I've missed the courthouse. I've missed my colleagues."
Hawk didn't take any questions, but sought to reassure her staff and the public about her health.
"These past nine weeks have been tough, but I'm stronger and healthier than I've ever been.
As Hawk returns to lead the nation's 7th largest DA's office, Dr. Sylvia Gearing, who's been a psychologist for 30 years, says Hawk can still be effective. "Susan Hawk can definitely come back and lead this office even if she's coming out of depression. I would think if she's been released to come back to the practice of law that her doctors think she's ready to enter the workplace again."
But she says Hawk still must take care of herself. "Minor things can set-off a full-fledged bout of depression. So you have to be careful not to over-react. A lot of that also Jack includes getting a lot of rest, eating well, and pacing yourself as you return to the workplace."
After meeting with Hawk Wednesday, Dallas County Republican party chairman Wade Emmert says she and her office are working on at least one new program. "I think she wants to turn her focus into creating new, innovative things out of the DA's office. I think like mental health is a priority for her, for the office."
Hawk acknowledged Thursday, there are still a lot of questions she needs to answer. "I know you all have questions and the citizens of Dallas County have questions and I know you deserve the answers which I fully intend to do."
One of Hawk's fired administrators says she plans to file a petition to remove her from office.
As for Hawk, she says "I'm so grateful to have this opportunity to serve you."
Follow Jack on Twitter: @cbs11jack
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