Sen. John Fetterman Receives Treatment for Clinical Depression at Walter Reed
According to his office, Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman has been admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for clinical depression treatment.[0] Last week, Fetterman had to be taken to George Washington University Hospital after experiencing lightheadedness at a Democratic gathering.[1] Doctors then conducted tests to see whether he suffered any kind of stroke, but there was no evidence of that.[2]
Adam Jentleson, Fetterman’s chief of staff, said in a statement: “On Monday, John was evaluated by Dr. Brian P. Monahan, the Attending Physician of the United States Congress. Yesterday, Dr. Monahan recommended inpatient care at Walter Reed. John agreed, and he is receiving treatment on a voluntary basis. After examining John, the doctors at Walter Reed told us that John is getting the care he needs, and will soon be back to himself.”[3]
Fetterman's wife, Gisele, praised him for getting treatment, saying on Twitter: “After what he’s been through in the past year, there’s probably no one who wanted to talk about his own health less than John. I’m so proud of him for asking for help and getting the care he needs.”[4]
It’s common for stroke survivors to experience depression, and the cause may be biochemical or psychological, according to the American Stroke Association.[5] Among well-wishers, the former Obama adviser Tommy Vietor said Fetterman was “incredibly brave … to talk about his mental health challenges publicly, especially knowing that people will try to exploit it for political purposes.”[6]
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) wrote on Twitter: “Millions of Americans, like John, struggle with depression each day. I am looking forward to seeing him return to the Senate soon. Sending love and support to John, Gisele, and their family.”[7]
Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania ([8], wrote: “Millions of Americans struggle with their mental health. I am proud of Fetterman for getting the help he needs and for publicly acknowledging his challenges to break down the stigma for others. Terese and I are sending our prayers to John, Gisele, and the Fetterman family.”[1]
Fetterman is recovering from a May 2022 stroke that has impaired his ability to process speech.[9]
0. “8 lawmakers who have publicly struggled with mental health” The Hill, 16 Feb. 2023, https://thehill.com/changing-america/well-being/mental-health/3862175-8-lawmakers-who-have-publicly-struggled-with-mental-health
1. “Senator Fetterman checked in to medical center for clinical depression” WTAJ – www.wtaj.com, 16 Feb. 2023, https://www.wtaj.com/news/regional-news/senator-fetterman-hospitalized-for-clinical-depression/
2. “John Fetterman Checks Into Hospital For Treatment Of Clinical Depression” Deadline, 16 Feb. 2023, https://deadline.com/2023/02/john-fetterman-hospitalized-clinical-depression-1235262332
3. “Fetterman checks into hospital for help with clinical depression” cityandstatepa.com, 16 Feb. 2023, https://www.cityandstatepa.com/politics/2023/02/fetterman-checks-hospital-help-clinical-depression/383062
4. “Sen. Fetterman checks into hospital for clinical depression treatment” Axios, 17 Feb. 2023, https://www.axios.com/2023/02/16/john-fetterman-hospital-clinical-depression
5. “Fetterman is hospitalized with depression. Here is what to know about the common but serious disorder.” The Philadelphia Inquirer, 16 Feb. 2023, https://www.inquirer.com/health/clinical-depression-treatment-symptoms-john-fetterman-20230216.html
6. “John Fetterman hospitalised to treat clinical depression, chief of staff says” The Guardian US, 17 Feb. 2023, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/feb/16/senator-john-fetterman-hospital-clinical-depression
7. “Democrats throw support behind Fetterman following depression revelation: ‘A sign of strength’” The Hill, 16 Feb. 2023, https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/3862126-democrats-throw-support-behind-fetterman-following-depression-revelation-a-sign-of-strength/
8. “Cruz extends support after Fetterman checks into hospital for clinical depression: ‘Mental Illness is real'” Fox News, 17 Feb. 2023, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/cruz-extends-support-fetterman-checks-hospital-clinical-depression-mental-illness-real
9. “Fetterman checks into Walter Reed to receive treatment for depression” Business Insider, 16 Feb. 2023, https://www.businessinsider.com/fetterman-checks-into-walter-reed-to-receive-treatment-for-depression-2023-2
