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Sen. John Fetterman is continuing treatment for clinical depression at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center as his wife, Gisele Baretto Fetterman, took their three children on a road trip to Canada for an impromptu vacation.
‘We don’t have a lot to update folks with since there’s no real news to report except that John is doing well, working with the wonderful doctors, and remains on a path to recovery,’ Fetterman spokesman Joe Calvello said in a statement on Monday.
In early February, the Pennsylvania senator was treated at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C., for lightheadedness. Doctors ruled out yet another stroke at the time – the first one was in May 2022 – and he was discharged.
After returning to Congress, Brian P. Monahan, the attending physician of Congress, examined Fetterman and encouraged him to seek inpatient treatment for depression that became ‘severe in recent weeks’ according to Adam Jentleson, Fetterman’s chief of staff.
Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., continues treatment for clinical depression at Walter Reed Hospital after checking himself in on February 16, 2023.
He voluntarily admitted himself to Walter Reed Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland on February 16.
‘We understand the intense interest in John’s status and especially appreciate the flood of well-wishes,’ Calvello said. ‘However, as we have said, this will be a weeks-long process and while we will be sure to keep folks updated as it progresses, this is all there is to give by way of an update.’
On Friday, the senator’s wife posted on social media that she drove to Niagra Falls via Buffalo, New York with their children, Karl, Grace, and August because of the media presence outside their Braddock home, following news of her husband’s treatment.
‘I am not really sure how to navigate this journey but am figuring it out slowly. 1 week ago today when the news dropped, the kids were off from school and media trucks circled our home,’ she tweeted.
‘I did the first thing I could think of … pack them in the car and drive,’ she wrote after it was reported her husband could spend weeks in the hospital while doctors work on treatment and medication.
‘We talked about lots of hard things and how we will all have to face hard things. About the need to be gentle … with all and with ourselves,’ Gisele Fetterman continued.
She also posted a video where she calmly discussed how their son August got stuck zip lining – recording the post while a ‘rescue’ was underway.
‘We did some scary things but we did them together. We ziplined over Niagara Falls and August got stuck. We talked about flexibility and the need to always have an open heart and an open mind,’ she added.
Senator John Fetterman poses for his official picture with his wife, Gisele, and his three children, after being sworn into office by Vice President Kama Harris (second from the right)
‘I did the first thing I could think of’: Gisele Fetterman took the children she shares with Sen. John Fetterman on a road trip to Canada through Upstate New York while her husband, Sen. John Fetterman, is receiving treatment for depression
Her posts got thousands of views. She said the children were on a break from school
She pointed the finger at media trucks which surrounded her home
Fetterman is receiving treatment for depression just weeks after being sworn into office. He continues to recover from the effects of a stroke in May 2022.
High wire act: Gisele posted video of what she said was her son August getting stuck on a zip line
The 6-foot 8-inch tall, heavily tattooed former Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania was elected in November after suffering a stroke in May.
During his recovery, he has struggled with sensory processing issues, and relies on simultaneous translation computer software in media interviews and to do his Senate duties.
A senior aide told NBC that it has been challenging to differentiate between the senator’s stroke recovery and the depression, with the staffer saying it’s sometimes unclear if he’s ‘not hearing you, or is he sort of crippled by his depression and social anxiety.’
CNN reported Friday that Fetterman’s symptoms included weight loss and lack of appetite, which led to his spell in the George Washington University Hospital last week, complaining of lightheadedness.
President Joe Biden put out a message of support last week. ‘John, Gisele – Jill and I are thinking about your family today. Millions of people struggle with depression every day, often in private. Getting the care you need is brave and important. We’re grateful to you for leading by example,’ Biden tweeted.
Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, whose family has had their own mental health struggles, said he and his wife, Heidi were ‘lifting John up in prayer.’
‘Mental illness is real & serious, and I hope that he gets the care he needs. Regardless of which side of the political aisle you’re on, please respect his family’s request for privacy,’ Cruz asked.
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