Democratic U.S. Senator John Fetterman checked himself into Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for clinical depression Wednesday night. The junior senator from Pennsylvania had received in-patient treatment one week ago after experiencing dizziness and physicians ruled out the occurrence of a stroke or seizure activity.
During his 2022 run for the U.S. Senate, and four days before the May primary, the former lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania suffered a life-threatening stroke. Fetterman recovered, continued his campaign and prevailed in the general election against GOP contender Mehmet Oz.
“While John has experienced depression off and on throughout his life, it only became severe in recent weeks,” said Adam Jentleson, his chief of staff, in a statement. He added that Fetterman followed the recommendation for inpatient care at Walter Reed after an evaluation on Monday by Dr. Brian P. Monahan, the attending physician in Congress.
“John agreed, and he is receiving treatment on a voluntary basis,” Jentleson added.
“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,” said his wife Gisele Barreto Fetterman in an email to supporters.
Fetterman has been ridiculed by GOP naysayers and trolls immediately following and throughout his recovery from the stroke.
“In the short time I’ve worked with John Fetterman, I’ve been struck by his resilience and heart. 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,” said Senator Tina Davis, (D-MN) in a Tweet.
Fetterman’s political career dates back to 2006 when he was elected mayor of Braddock, Pennsylvania, from 2006 through 2019. He was elected the Commonwealth’s lieutenant governor and held the seat from 2019 to 2023.
“I stand by John Fetterman and his family,” said Senator Richard J. Durbin, (D-IL). “This is an unimaginable challenge that he has faced in life. He deserves the very best in professional care, and I am sure he will get it.”
Here are some more reactions found on Twitter applauding his courage to seek help:
