By Cara Murez┬а
HealthDay Reporter
FRIDAY, Feb. 17, 2023 (HealthDay News) тАУ Sen. John Fetterman is being treated for clinical depression at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
тАЬWhile John has experienced depression off and on throughout his life, it only became severe in recent weeks,тАЭ Fetterman’s chief of staff Adam Jentleson said in a statement.
The Pennsylvania Democrat checked himself into the hospital on Wednesday night, Jentleson added.
Fetterman survived a near-fatal stroke last year while he was campaigning for the Senate seat he now holds.
Just last week, the first-term senator was hospitalized at George Washington University Hospital after feeling lightheaded during a Senate Democratic retreat.
At that time, Fetterman was in the stroke unit for two days, where he underwent various tests including an MRI. He had not suffered an additional stroke.
On Monday, he was evaluated by CongressтАЩ attending physician Dr. Brian Monahan, who recommended he receive inpatient care at Walter Reed, in Bethesda, Md.
тАЬJohn agreed, and he is receiving treatment on a voluntary basis,тАЭ Jentleson said.
The senator missed votes on Wednesday and Thursday night, CNBC News reported.
FettermanтАЩs transition to the Senate in January has been made more difficult because of his stroke recovery, the Times reported. He previously served as PennsylvaniaтАЩs lieutenant governor.
His wife, Gisele Fetterman, asked for privacy.
тАЬAfter what heтАЩs been through in the past year, thereтАЩs probably no one who wanted to talk about his own health less than John,тАЭ Gisele Fetterman said in a statement. тАЬIтАЩm so proud of him for asking for help and getting the care he needs.тАЭ
ItтАЩs common for stroke survivors to experience depression, and the cause may be biochemical or psychological, according to the American Stroke Association.
Fetterman had been frustrated with his post-stroke health challenges throughout the campaign. His difficulties with communication have also impacted his relationship with his family, as has his time away from them while he works in the Senate, CNBC News reported.
More information
The U.S. National Institute of Mental Health has more on depression.
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SOURCE: New York Times; CNBC News
