A week after John Fetterman was hospitalized for lightheadedness, the Democrat senator checked himself into Walter Reed Medical Center to receive treatment for clinical depression.
“While John has experienced depression off and on throughout his life, it only became severe in recent weeks,” Adam Jentleson, his chief of staff, said in a statement.
Fetterman made the decision after being evaluated by the Attending Physician of the United States Congress, Dr. Brian Monahan.
BREAKING: John Fetterman's office says that he checked himself into Walter Reed to be treated for clinical depression. pic.twitter.com/v5JUMnTZju
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) February 16, 2023
Serious questions were raised during the campaign about Fetterman’s fitness for office after he suffered a stroke in May that nearly killed him. He continues to deal with auditory processing issues, which was evident on the campaign trail, and special accommodations have been set up for him in the Senate to address the problem.
The Senate and his colleagues in Washington have been trying to adjust with him: The sergeant-at-arms has arranged for live audio-to-text transcription for Mr. Fetterman’s committees and installed a monitor at his desk so he can follow proceedings with closed captioning. His Democratic colleagues in the Senate have been growing accustomed to communicating with him through a tablet that transcribes their words, technology he needs because he suffers from auditory processing issues associated with his stroke. (NYT)
Fetterman's wife, Gisele, said she was concerned about her husband and asked for “compassion" and "privacy."
“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,” his wife, Gisele, told supporters in an email. “It’s not easy for anyone to be open about mental health challenges. But I am so proud of him for asking for help and taking steps to get the care he needs.”
This is a difficult time for our family, so please respect our privacy. For us, the kids come first.
— Gisele Barreto Fetterman (@giselefetterman) February 16, 2023
Take care of yourselves. Hold your loved ones close, you are not alone.❤️
Lawmakers were quick to express their support for Fetterman.
Heidi & I are lifting John up in prayer. Mental illness is real & serious, and I hope that he gets the care he needs.
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) February 16, 2023
Regardless of which side of the political aisle you’re on, please respect his family’s request for privacy. https://t.co/vNZUZl0LKY
Seeking treatment takes courage. I applaud @johnfetterman for taking his mental health care seriously and setting the example that facing mental health challenges doesn't make you weak, it makes you human. https://t.co/6522nMkZJm
— Rep. Becca Balint (@RepBeccaB) February 16, 2023
Sending my thoughts & wishing the best for @SenFettermanPA during this difficult time.
— Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (@repcleaver) February 16, 2023
Millions of Americans struggle with their mental health every day, and I’m thankful that Senator Fetterman had the strength and courage to get the care he needs.
His example will save lives. https://t.co/bgY2keXYwV
Thinking about Senator Fetterman today.
— Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) February 16, 2023
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.