Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) suffered a stroke in May 2022 while vying for a seat in the Upper Chamber. He recovered and went on to win the Pennsylvania Senate election. On February 8, he experienced another scare. Fetterman went to the hospital seeking medical attention after feeling dizzy. The next day, his communications director reported that the results of the lawmaker’s testing confirmed that he had not had a fresh stroke. He was only in the hospital for a brief time and appeared to be “in good spirits.”
On February 16, NBC reported that the Pennsylvania senator had sought assistance for depression, which he had apparently had intermittently throughout his life. Fetterman “checked himself into Walter Reed National Military Medical Center” for treatment when his doctor advised it. According to the news source, Fetterman’s close aide claimed the legislator will likely stay in the hospital for a “few weeks” as physicians figure out the best meds and dose for him.
WASHINGTON — On Wednesday night, Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., "checked himself into Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to receive treatment for clinical depression," his chief of staff Adam Jentleson said.
— Allan Smith (@akarl_smith) February 16, 2023
@sahilkapur reports https://t.co/P25lobyZ4F
Gisele Barreto Fetterman, the senator’s wife, announced the news on Twitter, saying she was proud of her husband for receiving 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. pic.twitter.com/SfuwWTSUcG
— Gisele Barreto Fetterman (@giselefetterman) February 16, 2023
Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) praised Fetterman, saying he was delighted he was getting help and looking forward to his return. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) has previously fought with depression, according to Reuters. She believes her colleague is setting a positive example for all those suffering with the disease.
According to Dr. Lee Schwamm, a neurologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, depression following a stroke is not uncommon. According to the doctor, up to one-third of patients suffer this impact. According to the American Stroke Association, the condition is frequently caused by metabolic changes in the brain. It’s unclear whether Fetterman’s sadness is due to his stroke. In any case, he is obtaining the assistance he requires and receiving high praise from his colleagues for taking care of himself.
