John Fetterman Hospitalized, Receiving Treatment For Depression

Pennsylvania Democratic U.S. Sen. John Fetterman is receiving inpatient treatment for complications from clinical depression.

Thursday afternoon, Fetterman’s chief of staff, Adam Jentelson, released a statement describing the sequence of events that led to Fetterman’s hospitalization.

“Last night, Senator John Fetterman 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.”

Jentelson said that on Monday, Fetterman was seen by the attending physician of Congress, who recommended that the senator receive inpatient care 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.

Fetterman’s wife, Gisele, also expressed her support for her husband on Twitter.

“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 wrote.

Fetterman suffered a stroke on May 13, four days before winning the Democratic primary ahead of the midterm elections last fall.

Last week, the senator was taken to the hospital to be evaluated for lightheadedness, but after evaluation, doctors assured him that he had not had another stroke.

Online, Fetterman received an outpouring of support. People who have experience with depression as well as mental health advocates praised the senator for being transparent about his condition.

Mental health experts agree that one of the best ways to break the stigma associated with mental health conditions is to speak about them and normalize their existence. Data from the National Institutes of Health indicates that 14.8 million U.S. adults were living with major depression in 2020. Of those, an estimated 66 percent of American adults received treatment.

Seventy-one percent of Americans suffering from a major depressive episode with severe impairment receive treatment.

If you are having thoughts of suicide or are concerned that someone you know may be, resources are available to help. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 is for people of all ages and identities. Trans Lifeline, designed for transgender or gender-nonconforming people, can be reached at (877) 565-8860. The lifeline also provides resources to help with other crises, such as domestic violence situations. The Trevor Project Lifeline, for LGBTQ+ youth (ages 24 and younger), can be reached at (866) 488-7386. Users can also access chat services at TheTrevorProject.org/Help or text START to 678678.