Sen. John Fetterman’s office released an update on his health Monday, about two weeks after the Pennsylvania Democrat was hospitalized for treatment for his clinical depression.
Fetterman’s spokesman, Joe Calvello, said the senator “remains on the road to recovery,” even though recovery “will be a several-week process.”
“John is doing well, working with wonderful doctors and remains on the road to recovery,” Calvello said. “He visits staff and family daily, and his staff keeps him abreast of Senate business and news.”
Fetterman’s team is “moving forward and working tirelessly for the people of Pennsylvania,” including opening new offices across the state, Calvello said.
“We understand the intense interest in John’s status and especially appreciate the outpouring of well wishes,” he continued. “However, as I said, this will be a process for several weeks, and while we’ll be sure to keep people updated as we process, that’s all we have to offer by way of an update.”
Fetterman entered Walter Reed National Military Medical Center earlier this month, and the congressman’s attending physician recommended that he receive hospital care. Adam Jetleson, Fetterman’s top aide, said on February 16 that while the senator “has experienced depression from time to time throughout his life, it has only become severe in the last few weeks.”
Fetterman has received widespread support from both sides of the aisle for admitting he needs medical care for his mental health. The senator belongs to a demographic — middle-aged white men — that has one of the highest suicide rates in the country and the lowest rates of seeking treatment.
The freshman lawmaker won a close race last year for a seat in the Pennsylvania Senate against TV doctor and Republican candidate Mehmet Oz, known for medical misinformation, including a cure for depression.
Last year, Fetterman was hospitalized after suffering a stroke caused by atrial fibrillation. The stroke resulted in an auditory processing disorder, which the senator’s political opponents used to launch vicious attacks against him. He was readmitted to hospital earlier this year after experiencing dizziness and was discharged after tests ruled out another stroke.
“After what he went through last year, probably no one wanted to talk about their health less than John,” tweeted the senator’s wife, Gisele Barreto Fetterman, as she began receiving medical care. “I’m so proud of him for asking for help to get the care he needs.”
If you or someone you know needs help, call 988 or 1-800-273-8255 for National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You can also get SMS support by visiting suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat. Outside the US please visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention for a database of resources.
I’m a passionate and motivated journalist with a focus on world news. My experience spans across various media outlets, including Buna Times where I serve as an author. Over the years, I have become well-versed in researching and reporting on global topics, ranging from international politics to current events.