Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) checked himself into a D.C. hospital to “receive treatment for clinical depression,” according to his chief of staff.
JUST IN: Senator John Fetterman checked into DC hospital to “receive treatment for clinical depression," according to his chief of staff.
— DailyNoah.com (@DailyNoahNews) February 16, 2023
“While John has experienced depression off and on throughout his life, it only became severe in recent weeks,” the statement read.
“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,” the statement continued.
Read the full statement:
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
Fetterman was hospitalized last week at The George Washington University Hospital after feeling lightheaded at a Senate Democratic retreat.
“Initial tests did not show evidence of a new stroke, but doctors are running more tests and John is remaining overnight for observation,” John Fetterman’s Communications Director, Joe Calvello, said.
Fetterman suffered a stroke on the campaign trail last year and his health remained a topic of debate until election night.
"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," Gisele Barreto Fetterman, John's wife, said.
"This is a difficult time for our family, so please respect our privacy. For us, the kids come first. Take care of yourselves. Hold your loved ones close, you are not alone."
This is a difficult time for our family, so please respect our privacy. For us, the kids come first.
Take care of yourselves. Hold your loved ones close, you are not alone.❤️— Gisele Barreto Fetterman (@giselefetterman) February 16, 2023
"Millions of Americans struggle with their mental health. I am proud of @SenFettermanPA 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," said Senator Bob Casey (D-PA).
Millions of Americans struggle with their mental health. I am proud of @SenFettermanPA 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.
— Senator Bob Casey (@SenBobCasey) February 16, 2023
Fox News reported:
Fetterman was hospitalized for three days last week after feeling lightheaded, but returned to the Capitol on Monday after doctors reportedly ruled out another stroke or seizure.
"Hey everyone. It’s great to be back in the Senate. Thank you all for the well wishes - looking forward to getting back to work today," Fetterman wrote in a tweet earlier this week.
Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M., who also survived a stroke last year, told Fox News that Fetterman is getting noticeably stronger since his first stroke in May.
"I've been having conversations with Senator Fetterman from the very beginning. And even after he survived his stroke, he's only gotten stronger and stronger. He has a lot of support here, and he's gonna do very well," Lujan said.
According to NBC News, Fetterman missed votes in the U.S. Senate on Wednesday night and Thursday.
Despite Sen. Lujan's claims, it doesn't appear Fetterman is physically fit to perform his duties as a U.S. Senator.
Join the conversation!
Please share your thoughts about this article below. We value your opinions, and would love to see you add to the discussion!