Sen. John Fetterman Checks into Hospital for Clinical Depression Treatment

Updated on 03/07/23

Productive morning with Senator Fetterman at Walter Reed discussing the rail safety legislation, Farm Bill and other Senate business. John is well on his way to recovery and wanted me to say how grateful he is for all the well wishes. He’s laser focused on PA & will be back soon. pic.twitter.com/143uAhoQRx

— Adam Jentleson (@AJentleson) March 6, 2023

Updated on 02/28/2023 to reflect new developments.

A spokesman for Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman said the Democrat is “on a path to recovery” but is still expected to be away from the Senate for several more weeks while he is hospitalized for clinical depression.

“We understand the intense interest in John’s status and especially appreciate the flood of well-wishes,” Fetterman’s communications director, Joe Calvello, said in a statement. “However, as we have said this will be a weeks-long process and while we will be sure to keep folks updated as it progresses, this is all there is to give by way of an update.”

Fetterman has been out for more more than a month and is being treated at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. His spokesperson previously said that the senator had been experiencing depression “off and on throughout his life,” but it had become severe in recent weeks, potentially as an aftereffect of the stroke he had last year.  Capitol Physician, Brian P. Monahan recommended his hospitalization after an evaluation, his office said at the time.

Read the original story below.

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Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania has checked himself into a hospital overnight to “receive treatment for clinical depression,” his chief of staff said.

The 53-year-old Pennsylvania Democrat suffered a stroke last year while on the campaign trail. His spokesperson, Adam Jentleson, said the senator was evaluated by the attending physician for Congress on Monday, who recommended inpatient care.

Clinical depression is characterized by a persistently depressed mood or loss of interest in activities, causing significant impairment in a person’s daily life. World Health Organization data indicates that more than 280 million people worldwide live with depression.

“While John has experienced depression off and on throughout his life, it only became severe in recent weeks,” Jentleson said. “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.”

Fetterman was hospitalized last week after complaining about feeling lightheaded. He had not suffered an additional stroke, his doctors determined.

“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 Fetterman, said on her Twitter feed on Thursday afternoon. “I’m so proud of him for asking for help and getting the care he needs.”

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. pic.twitter.com/SfuwWTSUcG

— Gisele Barreto Fetterman (@giselefetterman) February 16, 2023

She asked for privacy during the “difficult time for our family,” adding: “Take care of yourselves. Hold your loved ones close, you are not alone.”

This story is developing and will be updated as more information comes in.