Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) has checked himself into the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to receive treatment for clinical depression, according to a statement released by his Senate chief of staff Adam Jentleson. Although Fetterman has experienced depression throughout his life, the condition worsened in recent weeks, prompting the newly-seated senator to seek professional medical help.
Jentleson revealed that Fetterman was examined by the Attending Physician of the U.S. Congress Dr. Brian P. Monahan on Monday. Dr. Mohnahan recommended Fetterman receive inpatient care at Walter Reed. The senator agreed to receive voluntary treatment. Doctors have assured his staff that he is receiving the care he needs and “will soon be back to his normal self.”
Fetterman has had some serious health issues recently, having suffered a stroke in May 2022 and receiving a pacemaker with a defibrillator implant. After being sworn into the Senate last month, he went to the George Washington University Hospital after experiencing lightheadedness but was discharged shortly after.
Last year’s stroke also caused him to have auditory processing problems. A live-caption display monitor has been placed on his Senate chamber desk to help him understand what people are saying to him. He required similar captioning assistance during his campaign last fall.
Heidi & I are lifting John up in prayer. Mental illness is real & serious, and I hope that he gets the care he needs.
Regardless of which side of the political aisle you’re on, please respect his family’s request for privacy. https://t.co/vNZUZl0LKY
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) February 16, 2023
Fetterman has received bipartisan support from his fellow lawmakers since being admitted to the hospital.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) offered his support for Fetterman’s family, tweeting that he and his wife would pray for Fetterman’s recovery. He urged others to put politics aside to do the same. He also said others should respect the Fetterman family’s request for privacy during this time.
Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) tweeted, “Our prayers are with Sen. John Fetterman, who is once again hospitalized with clinical depression. We wish him well, and that all who suffer from this debilitating condition can find strength, peace, support, and recovery.”
Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) wrote on Twitter: “Thinking about Senator Fetterman today. Glad he is getting the support he needs at Walter Reed. Proud he is being open about his struggle with depression and hoping it encourages others to seek help who need it. Stay strong, John. We are with you.”
