On Wednesday night, Sen. John Fetterman was admitted to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland to receive treatment for clinical depression.
The freshman Pennsylvania senator’s chief of staff, Adam Jentleson, released a statement on Thursday saying that Fetterman has experienced depression off and on throughout his life, but it only became severe in recent weeks. He was evaluated by Dr. Brian P. Monahan, the attending physician of the United States Congress, on Monday and Monahan recommended inpatient care at Walter Reed. Fetterman agreed and is now receiving treatment on a voluntary basis.
Fetterman’s wife, Gisele Barreto Fetterman, also released a statement on Twitter, saying: “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.” She also requested privacy for their family during this difficult time.
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
Prior to his hospitalization, Fetterman spent two nights at George Washington University Hospital for “feeling lightheaded” — an incident that raised alarm bells. Last May, Fetterman suffered a stroke during his high-profile Senate campaign against Republican Dr. Mehmet Oz. Following the stroke, Fetterman revealed he had a heart condition and his cardiologist said he would be fine if he took his medications, ate healthily, and exercised.
The stroke remained in the headlines throughout the Senate race, as media outlets focused on Fetterman’s slurred speech and difficulty hearing, which made some voters nervous. The Oz campaign also seized on the health issue, even mocking it at times.
Ben Shapiro tweeted, “With Senator John Fetterman entering the hospital again for depression, it’s absolutely clear how cruel and disgusting it was for his party, family, and the media to have placed him in this position.”
With Senator John Fetterman entering the hospital again for depression, it’s absolutely clear how cruel and disgusting it was for his party, family, and the media to have placed him in this position. pic.twitter.com/8mEsAXZaD2
— Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) February 17, 2023
Nevertheless, Fetterman was successful in the November election, becoming the first Democrat to win the seat since 1962.
