(Newser) – One of the most outspoken opponents of the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy has been involuntarily committed to a Veterans Administration psychological ward after a breakdown. Iraq veteran Dan Choi—who was discharged after coming out on a talk show last year—had been suffering stress and exhaustion, especially after the Senate's failure to repeal the policy last week, AOL reports.

"I did not initially want to publicize this but I now realize it is critical for our community to know several things: veterans gay or straight carry human burdens," Choi wrote to supporters. "Activists share similar burdens. No activist should be portrayed as super human, and the failures of government and national lobbying carry consequences far beyond the careers and reputations of corporate leaders, elected officials, high powered lobbyists, or political elites." Choi chained himself to the White House fence in a protest earlier this year. Click for more on Choi.