Fetterman checks into Walter Reed for ‘severe’ clinical depression

Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman has entered Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to be treated for depression. 

‘Last night, Senator John Fetterman checked himself into Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to receive treatment for clinical depression,’ Fetterman’s Chief of Staff Adam Jentleson said in a statement Thursday. ‘While John has experienced depression off and on throughout his life, it only became severe in recent weeks.’ 

On Monday, the Pennsylvania Democrat was examined by Dr. Brian Monahan, the Attending Physician of the United States Congress. On Wednesday Monahan recommended that Fetterman seek inpatient treatment at Walter Reed. 

‘John agreed, and he is receiving treatment on a voluntary basis,’ Jentleson said. ‘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, 53, suffered a stroke in May, just days before Pennsylvania’s Democratic Senate primary, and continues to suffer from its effects. 

Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman is captured leaving an intelligence briefing on Capitol Hill on Tuesday. Fetterman has been seeking medical attention since Monday to deal with depression and has checked into Walter Reed for inpatient therapy 

John Fetterman (left) walks with his wife Gisele (right) as they exit their polling place on election day in November. Fetterman beat the Trump-backed Dr. Mehmet Oz in the pivotal Pennsylvania Senate race, earning Democrats an additional seat 

Last week, Fetterman was hospitalized at George Washington University Hospital after becoming light-headed at a Democratic retreat in Washington, D.C., but doctors said he didn’t suffer a second stroke. 

The New York Times reported last week that the Democrat has struggled to adjust to life as a senator. 

He still suffers from auditory processing issues, which means he has to devices that provide him with closed captioning to engage with his Senate colleagues and constituents and participate in committee hearings.