John Fetterman checks into hospital for clinical depression treatment

Depression is a common mental health disorder that can affect a person’s mood and overall functioning. The condition can be serious, causing symptoms such as loss of interest or fatigue, feelings of worthlessness and difficulty concentrating.

John Fetterman, a senator from Pennsylvania, is getting treatment for depression after checking himself into Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Wednesday night. He has been struggling with the aftereffects of a stroke that happened last May, his office said.

Treatment Options

After surviving a stroke last year, Pennsylvania Democratic senator John Fetterman has faced challenges adjusting to life on the Senate floor. He has continued to experience health issues, especially auditory processing disorder, which requires him to use closed-captioning devices in meetings and congressional hearings.

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in America, and it’s a common side effect after a stroke. It’s treatable with medication and counseling, doctors say.

The New York Times reported last week that Fetterman’s recovery from the stroke put a’very real psychological toll’ on him. He also continues to suffer from auditory processing disorders, meaning he often hears “squawk” from his own mouth that sounds like a muted trombone when he speaks.

Fetterman checked himself into Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Wednesday night to seek treatment for clinical depression, his office said Thursday. His chief of staff, Adam Jentleson, said the former lieutenant governor experienced depression off and on throughout his life, but it only became severe in recent weeks.

Counseling

Pennsylvania Democratic senator John Fetterman has checked himself into the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to receive treatment for clinical depression, his office said Thursday. He’s been struggling with the after-effects of a stroke he suffered last May, and his chief of staff said his depression has gotten worse in recent weeks.

The announcement by the Fetterman’s office could help break the stigma around mental health, especially among politicians. It’s important for public figures to speak openly about their own mental health struggles, according to Judith Mariscotti, director of the American Psychological Association’s Division of Addiction and Substance Abuse.

“The stigma around mental health is very real and it’s not just the people that need help,” she told WHTM. She also pointed out that the hospitalization was at the recommendation of Fetterman’s attending physician, which suggests the Democrat is receiving adequate care.

Fetterman has been dealing with the after-effects of his stroke for months, including auditory processing issues that sometimes make it difficult to understand speech. In his first weeks in the Senate, he used closed-captioning technology to help him navigate congressional hearings and conversations.

Medications

In a rare moment of public openness, John Fetterman has checked himself into the hospital for treatment for clinical depression. The Pennsylvania Democrat, who is recovering from a stroke last May, checked himself in Wednesday night after feeling lightheaded during a Senate retreat.

Several senators, including top Democratic aides, have praised Fetterman for opening up about his mental health struggles. They said the disclosure might help to break down some of the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage more people to seek help.

The Associated Press reported that Fetterman is undergoing inpatient care at Walter Reed, which means doctors will try different medications and dial in the correct dosages. The senator is expected to be away from the Senate for weeks, according to an aide.

A therapist at Retreat Behavioral Health in Lancaster, Tom Longenecker, says that depression is common in Americans, and inpatient care allows someone to focus more on treatment than they would if they were going through an outpatient program. He said that the treatment can be challenging, but most people come out of the hospital and do well.

Other Options

In addition to medications and therapy, there are other options available for people who suffer from depression. These include electroconvulsive therapy and hospitalization, which can help patients who don’t respond to medication and therapy alone or who are at risk of self-harm.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in 10 Americans will suffer from a major depressive episode at least once in their lifetime. The disorder can make it difficult to focus on daily tasks and interfere with relationships.

Fetterman is the latest high-profile politician to reveal his own struggles with depression. The openness is important, experts say, in an effort to normalize the conversation about mental health and de-stigmatize treatment.

Fetterman’s decision to check himself into the hospital for treatment comes after a stroke in May sidelined him from campaigning and resulted in a pacemaker and defibrillator implanted to manage an irregular heart rhythm. He also recently had a spell of lightheadedness while on a Senate Democratic retreat.