New South Wales Liberal MP Catherine Cusack filed for leave from the state's Upper House due to clinical depression.

"I have been diagnosed with clinical depression, and therefore must regretfully take leave from the legislative council to receive treatment," Cusack said in a statement.

The time away from work would allow the female MP to focus on her recovery upon the advice of her doctors. Cusack was first elected in 2003 and reelected in the March state election.

NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell offered support for the MP and request that her privacy be respected.

In August, federal Liberal MP Andrew Robb came out with a book titled "Black Dog Daze: Public Life, Private Demons," where he shared his battle with depression which caused him to take a three-month leave in 2009 for treatment.

On the first week of September, Senator Mary Jo Fisher admitted to an Adelaide court her battle with depression which caused the legislator to unintentionally bring out of a supermarket $92.92 worth of unpaid items. The incident led to shoplifting charges against Fisher, who pleaded not guilty.

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