Sen. John Fetterman receiving care for clinical depression at Walter Reed Medical Center, spokesman says

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Sen. John Fetterman is receiving care at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for clinical depression, his Senate office said.

Pennsylvania's newest U.S. senator has experienced depression "off and on throughout his life," but recently it became severe, his Chief of Staff Adam Jentleson said.

The attending physician of U.S. Congress evaluated and recommended inpatient care for Fetterman, Jentleson said. Fetterman checked himself into Walter Reed on Wednesday.

"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," Jentleson said in a statement.

Fetterman was recently hospitalized in Washington D.C. for lightheadedness. He was released after two days after testing was negative for another stroke or seizure, his office said. 

Fetterman suffered a stroke during his campaign last year and had surgery to implant a pacemaker. In October 2022, doctors released a letter stating he had "no work restrictions and can work full duty in public office."

On Twitter, his wife Gisele Barreto Fetterman said Wednesday that she's proud of her husband for getting help. 

"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 said. 

She also said it's a difficult time for their family and asked people to respect their privacy, saying their kids come first. 

"Take care of yourselves. Hold your loved ones close, you are not alone," she said. 

"It's different than saying I'm depressed and I have the blues or I'm depressed and I don't feel like doing this or I'm in a bad mood," said Christine Michaels, CEO of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Keystone Pennsylvania.

Michaels said clinical depression isn't the blues. Instead, those with it are limited in their daily functioning. It disrupts their concentration and motivation.

"It sort of becomes chronic and you're not able to do anything about it," Michaels said. "You're not able to just will yourself out of it or change your behavior."

That's when you need to seek the help of professionals. You can see a therapist, who may suggest taking medication. Hospitalization comes into play in serious circumstances.

"If you need hospitalization, inpatient treatment, usually your doctor will recommend that," Michaels said. "Or you can refer yourself."

"He probably doesn't realize it, but he probably helped a lot of people today," she added.

Michaels says Fetterman disclosing his situation publicly sends a message that this is common and he's not ashamed of it.

"That just might be what is a catalyst for them to make a phone call or for them to seek help if they see someone like John Fetterman seeking help," she said.

Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey has released a statement in support of Sen. Fetterman.

"Senator Fetterman's public acknowledgment of the treatment he is getting will help break down the stigma around Mental Health and remind everyone that it can get better."

If you or someone you know needs help, dial 988 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or text "HOME" to 741741 to receive help from the Crisis Text Line.

In:
• Walter Reed Medical Center
• Mental Health
• John Fetterman