Search
Close this search box.

Fetterman Receiving Treatment For Clinical Depression

John Fetterman at a podium

The calendar year 2023 certainly has had high and low points for Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman.

On Thursday, his chief of staff Adam Jentleson shared news that Fetterman has checked himself into Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to receive treatment for clinical depression.

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

Dr. Brian P. Monahan, the Attending Physician of the United States Congress, evaluated the 53-year-old Fetterman and recommended inpatient care at Walter Reed.

Jentleson said that “John agreed and he is receiving treatment on a voluntary basis.”

According to the Mayo Clinic website, “depression ranges in seriousness from mild, temporary episodes of sadness to severe, persistent depression. Clinical depression is the more-severe form of depression, also known as major depression or major depressive disorder. It isn’t the same as depression caused by a loss, such as the death of a loved one, or a medical condition, such as a thyroid disorder.

“Clinical depression can affect people of any age, including children. However, clinical depression symptoms, even if severe, usually improve with psychological counseling, antidepressant medications or a combination of the two.”

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

The former Pennsylvania lieutenant governor suffered a stroke in May during the Democratic Senate primary. He has received accommodations to assist him in his Senate duties.

Fetterman recently experienced some lightheadedness and was hospitalized for a few days. Doctors said they did not find any sign of a new stroke or seizure.

Back in 2018, Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) shared his diagnosis with pharmacologically induced mania after taking steroids for a rare illness 10 years ago. He said he then suffered from clinical depression for nearly two months after the treatment was over.

“I really do believe that we have to make sure that people understand that today’s society views this as an illness on par with a physical illness,” Tillis said about his decision to come forward. “We need to better educate the population on how they can help get people who are suffering with mental illness to someone who can help them.”

The revelation comes days after the Commonwealth’s senior Senator – Bob Casey – underwent successful surgery for prostate cancer.

In a statement, Casey added, “Millions of Americans struggle with their mental health. I am proud of John for getting the help he needs and for publicly acknowledging his challenges to break down the stigma for others.”

10 Responses

  1. Dems should show GOP how it’s done by Fetterman resigning and a competent, healthy vibrant Conner Lamb being appointed to replace him.

  2. EVERYONE who had a hand in electing Fetterman needs to be a ashamed. Especially the media and his staff and campaign and his wife who lied about his condition. They cared more about power than this man’s health.

    1. Some real talk….Nobody had a bigger hand in electing Fetterman than the Republican Party of PA. While Shapiro coasted, and Fetterman emerged from the Dem primary completely unscathed, the GOP primaries were a freakshow, with Oz and McCormick going thermonuclear on each other daily. This left Oz, a candidate with no real discernible principles aside from fealty to Trump (the latter undermining his last ditch effort to move to the middle, and drum up Shapiro-Oz ticket splitters) and dubious connections to the state, headed to the general election weak and bloodied. Not to mention he had an awful gubernatorial candidate dragging things down. Toomey easily takes care of Fetterman (as do candidates with suburban appeal such as Fitzpatrick or Costello), but there’s no longer any path in the a state-wide primary for any of those 3.

  3. I voted for Conner Lamb in the primary. The voters should have been made aware of the stroke prior to the May election. I’m just concerned now that Fetterman will accomplish little or nothing and have ongoing problems.

  4. The horrendous stigma of mental health issues must end. Fox News will probably lambaste Sen Fetterman but most other people will see his checking into Walter Reed as a needed and important move. For too long getting help for mental issues was seen as taboo. Hopefully, this news invites welcomed change in our society. Getting past a stroke is challenging without Fox News criticizing you so Sen Fetterman has had a lot on his plate. I’m sure Walter Reed will do a great job in treating him.

    1. Benji – shut up. He’s unable to serve in so many ways. Dems and Fetterman lied to the public about his fitness to serve.

      Depression in and of itself is not something to attack him on, but continued issues mount while Fetterman supporters cry with fake outrage at criticism of his ability to serve.

      All his supporters should be ashamed.





Email:




  • Do you agree that ByteDance should be forced to divest TikTok?


    • Yes. It's a national security risk. (60%)
    • No. It's an app used by millions and poses no threat. (40%)
    • What's ByteDance? (0%)

    Total Voters: 30

    Loading ... Loading ...
Continue to Browser

PoliticsPA

To install tap and choose
Add to Home Screen