WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., checked himself into Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Wednesday night to receive treatment for clinical depression, his office said Thursday, adding that his longtime struggle with that issue became “severe” in recent weeks.
The latest news adds to the ongoing health concerns around a senator who has only just started his time in office.
“While John has experienced depression off and on throughout his life, it only became severe in recent weeks,” his chief of staff, Adam Jentleson, said in a statement. “On Monday, John was evaluated by Dr. Brian P. Monahan, the Attending Physician of the United States Congress. Yesterday, Dr. Monahan recommended inpatient care at Walter Reed. John agreed, and he is receiving treatment on a voluntary basis.”
Jentleson added, “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.”
Fetterman’s treatment comes a week after he was hospitalized last Wednesday for what his staff said was lightheadedness during a Democratic retreat. Fetterman returned to the Senate to vote Monday.
“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,” tweeted Fetterman’s wife, Gisele. “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.”
Fetterman’s health has been under intense scrutiny since a near-fatal stroke in May that kept him off the campaign trail for several months. His aides initially downplayed that incident, and Republicans have questioned whether he has been fully forthcoming about his recovery.
Fetterman, 53, took office in January after winning a critical election in November.
Pennsylvania’s other senator, fellow Democrat Bob Casey, is also expected to miss some time at work after having planned surgery for prostate cancer on Tuesday.
