Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman hospitalized for clinical depression, staff says

Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman hospitalized for clinical depression, staff says

Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman has checked himself into Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to receive treatment for clinical depression, according to a press release from his office.

Fetterman, who was recently hospitalized for two days after feeling lightheaded, was evaluated on Monday by the Attending Physician of the United States Congress, Dr. Brian P. Monahan, the press release said.

On Wednesday, Dr. Monahan recommended Fetterman check himself into Walter Reed. He is there on a voluntary basis, his office said.

Doctors at Walter Reed told Fetterman’s office that he is getting “the care he needs” and will soon be “back to himself,” the release said.

On Twitter, Fetterman’s wife, Gisele Fetterman wrote, “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.”

“This is a difficult time for our family, so please respect our privacy. For us, the kids come first,” Gisele Fetterman then tweeted. “Take care of yourselves. Hold your loved ones close, you are not alone.”

Fetterman suffered a stroke in May 2022, caused by a blood clot that was removed. He also had a defibrillator implanted for an irregular heart rhythm. He nevertheless continued his election campaign once he began his recovery, and went on to beat GOP opponent Dr. Mehmet Oz in November for the state’s U.S. Senate seat left vacant by Pat Toomey.

He has said he continues to suffer from lingering auditory processing issues as a result of the stroke, which requires him to use closed-captioning in hearings, meetings and debates.

Fetterman was admitted to George Washington University Hospital last week after not feeling well at a Senate Democratic retreat. He stayed at the hospital while being monitored for seizures. His spokesman Joe Calvello said all test results ruled out any sign of another stroke or seizures.