Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) checked himself into a D.C. hospital this week to “receive treatment for clinical depression,” according to his chief of staff.
“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:
An updated report revealed the Senator's condition could be worse than initially expected.
Fetterman will receive inpatient hospital care for "a few weeks."
Sen. John Fetterman will likely be in hospital for a few weeks for clinical depression treatment https://t.co/Tcq0eKkFwj
— CNBC (@CNBC) February 17, 2023
CNBC reported:
But Fetterman’s return to the Senate will not be a matter of days.
“We’re looking at a few weeks” of inpatient care, as doctors try different medications and dial in the correct dosages, a senior Fetterman aide told NBC News on Thursday night. A top staffer for the senator confirmed that timeline to CNBC.
Fetterman’s absence from Capitol Hill will temporarily narrow Democrats’ slim 51-49 Senate majority, potentially making it harder for the polarized chamber to accomplish its goals. Congress is working to craft a bill to raise the U.S. debt ceiling before the summer and prevent the country from defaulting on its obligations, among other legislative priorities. The Senate is not in session next week.Fetterman missed votes on Capitol Hill on Wednesday night and Thursday, NBC reported.
NBC News Correspondent Dasha Burns spoke to a senior aide to Fetterman about his condition.
NEW: A senior aide to Senator Fetterman tells me he will likely be in inpatient care for clinical depression for "a few weeks."
— Dasha Burns (@DashaBurns) February 17, 2023
A senior aide says it’s been difficult to distinguish the stroke from the depression – saying it’s hard to tell at times if Fetterman is “not hearing you, or is he sort of crippled by his depression and social anxiety.”
— Dasha Burns (@DashaBurns) February 17, 2023
Anyone who has ever suffered from severe depression -- myself included -- knows how important it is to ask for help. But damn it is hard to do. Glad the Senator is now getting the care he needs.
— Dasha Burns (@DashaBurns) February 17, 2023
“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 Thursday.
“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
"John, Gisele – Jill and I are thinking about your family today. Millions of people struggle with depression every day, often in private. Getting the care you need is brave and important. We're grateful to you for leading by example," Joe Biden tweeted Friday.
John, Gisele – Jill and I are thinking about your family today.
Millions of people struggle with depression every day, often in private.
Getting the care you need is brave and important. We're grateful to you for leading by example. https://t.co/V3rGZSKrM4
— President Biden (@POTUS) February 17, 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 added:
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.
Fetterman suffered a stroke on the campaign trail last year and his health remained a topic of debate until election night.
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