The US Senator voluntarily went to the hospital.
(Photo: IMAGO/ZUMA Wire)
Washington US Senator John Fetterman is being treated in hospital for depression. “John Fetterman has suffered from depression his entire life, but it has only gotten worse in the past few weeks,” the Democrat’s office said on Thursday. The 53-year-old was therefore voluntarily admitted to the Walter Reed Military Hospital in Bethesda near the US capital Washington after medical advice.
Fetterman became known for his progressive positions and his unusual life story around the congressional elections in November. He had won the election for the US Senate in the embattled state of Pennsylvania – just six months after suffering a stroke.
Back then, he defeated Donald Trump-funded celebrity doctor and Republican Mehmet Oz by a wide margin. Thanks to Fetterman’s success, President Joe Biden’s US Democrats were able to increase their majority in the House of Representatives in Washington.
The left-wing local politician, with his tattoos, goatee and typical hooded sweatshirt, is considered a special politician in his party. Republicans had repeatedly attacked him during the election campaign because of his health.
Fetterman said he “almost died” from his stroke. Since then he has suffered from language problems and has difficulties processing the statements of other people. For this reason, he uses monitors that allow audio-text transcription.
Fetterman experiences wave of support
The health of congressional representatives is relevant to the balance of power on Capitol Hill: The US Democrats and the three independent senators who cooperate with the Democrats have a slim majority of 51 to 49 in the Senate.
Fetterman was admitted to George Washington University Hospital last week after complaining of lightheadedness. The doctors did not find a new stroke, Fetterman was released after two days. He is now staying in Walter Reed Hospital due to his depression.
“After what he’s been through over the past year, there’s probably no one less keen to speak out about their own health than John. I’m so proud of him for asking for help and getting the care he needs,” his wife Gisele Barreto Fetterman tweeted.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he was glad to hear his colleague was “getting the help he needs and deserves.” He looks forward to “seeing him return to the Senate soon.”
Major depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in the United States, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. It is estimated that 21 million adults in the country experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2020. This corresponds to a good eight percent of all adults in the USA.
Democratic Senator Tina Smith, who had publicized her own struggles with mental health, supported Fetterman. “John is doing exactly what he should be doing which is seeking help,” Smith wrote on Twitter. “It’s a sign of strength, not weakness. It’s something that John exemplifies to all of us.”
With agency material
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