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'Will soon be back to himself': Pennsylvania Dem Sen. John Fetterman, 53, checks into hospital for clinical depression amid ongoing health issues

John Fetterman is currently receiving inpatient treatment at Walter Reed in Bethesda, Maryland, as his condition worsened recently

BETHESDA, MARYLAND: Democratic senator from Pennsylvania John Fetterman has admitted himself into a hospital for clinical depression as he continues to fight ongoing health issues. According to the 53-year-old politician's office, he is currently receiving inpatient treatment at Walter Reed in Bethesda, Maryland as his condition worsened recently.

Fetterman had a stroke in May 2022, and his sensory impairments and communication problems have been extensively reported since he was formally sworn in as Pennsylvania's newest US Senator on January 3, 2023. The Democratic senator "has experienced depression off and on throughout his life," according to his chief of staff Adam Jentleson, but after being checked by Dr Brian Monahan, Attending Physician of the US Congress, he ultimately made the decision to get care. 

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'Will soon be back to himself'

Fetterman's Chief of Staff Adam Jentleson dismissed worries that his health might affect his political career. He said, "John is getting the care he needs and will soon be back to himself." After feeling dizzy at a Democratic retreat last week, Fetterman was taken to the George Washington University Hospital where he was kept for two nights for monitoring, reports Daily Mail.

'He did not have a second stroke'

Gisele, the senator's wife, shared the news that her husband had checked into Walter Reed to receive treatment for severe depression and requested privacy, calling it "a difficult time for our family" at the same 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," wrote Gisele on Twitter. According to doctors, he did not have a second stroke. Earlier this week, Fetterman was spotted on Capitol Hill when he took part in a briefing on the recently downed aerial items.

The Democrat has had trouble adjusting to life as a senator, according to a story published by The New York Times last week. The move to the Senate, which was already challenging for Fetterman, was made "vastly more difficult by the strains of his recovery," according to aides and supporters, who noted that it left him with "a physical impairment and serious mental health challenges." He still struggles with auditory processing, so in order to interact with his Senate colleagues, and constituents, and take part in committee hearings, he needs to use technology that offers closed captioning. According to The Times, Fetterman hears squawking generated by a trombone when others speak to him, similar to how the grownups in the Peanuts cartoons sound. 

'Very real psychological toll'

In addition to Fetterman's hearing problem, which is made worse by stress, the Times stated that the politician had suffered a "very real psychological toll" as a result of the stroke recovery. According to the Stroke Association, depression symptoms might appear in up to a third of stroke victims.

'Honest, strong, and challenging thing to do'

Many in the industry and fans reacted immediately after Gisele tweeted the news. A user tweeted, "Given how many Americans struggle with depression, it makes sense to have people who represent those Americans in Congress. Wishing the best for Sen. Fetterman as he adjusts to this new life in DC."

Another user wrote, "Sending love and my best wishes to you and Senator Fetterman. Gisele, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Please reach out to me directly, if there is anything I can do."

One user noted, "I broke into tears when I saw the email that went out. I'm so glad he is getting the help he needs. Sending love to your whole family." One user noted, "An honest, strong, and challenging thing to do."

An Army nurse wrote, "I’m so glad he is getting the help he needs. As a former Army Nurse who served at Walter Reed AMC, he is in great hands. Thank you for sharing which may encourage others who are struggling to seek help."

"This speaks to John’s strength of character and love for self, family and country. Hope he gets well and thanks to him for being open as many will hopefully feel open to share their own struggles," said another user.

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