Democratic U.S. Senator John Fetterman reportedly checked into a hospital to treat his clinical depression.
In an official statement released by Fetterman’s office, it was revealed that the Democratic Senator checked into a hospital in Washington for a treatment for his clinical depression, six months following his near-fatal stroke.
On Thursday, the senator’s office said that the attending physician for Congress evaluated the 53-year old Democrat at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda.
According to the reports, the recent hospital visit came after he was briefly hospitalized for feeling light-headed.
In the Thursday statement, Fetterman’s Chief of Staff Adam Jentleson said that “while John has experienced depression off and on throughout his life, it only became severe in recent weeks.”
“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,” he added.
In an exclusive report published by Reuters, it was revealed that “the senator was discharged from George Washington University Hospital in Washington last Friday” after staying for 2 days straight.
The report also revealed that Fetterman is “known for his large tattooed frame, goatee and penchant for hoodies and shorts, Fetterman gained a national profile for his progressive positions. The former Pennsylvania lieutenant governor beat Republican celebrity doctor Mehmet Oz by a large margin in November’s midterm elections to replace former Republican Senator Pat Toomey, who retired.”
Amid the reports, the senator’s wife, Gisele Barreto Fetterman posted on Twitter, saying that “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.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer also released a statement, claiming that he was happy to see his fellow Democrat “getting the help he needs and deserves,” adding that he was “looking forward to seeing him return to the Senate soon.”
Reuters revealed that depression is not new for stroke survivors.
Just last Thursday, Democratic Senator Tina Smith, who discussed her own past struggles with mental health in 2019, claimed Fetterman was doing the right thing by seeking treatment.
“John is doing exactly what he should do, which is seek help. Seeking help when you need it is a sign of strength, not weakness, something that John is demonstrating for all of us.” Smith said.
