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Sen. John Fetterman has checked himself into a Washington hospital for treatment of clinical depression, his office announced Thursday, another setback after a hospitalization last week for light-headedness and after a stroke he suffered during last year’s campaign.
“While John has experienced depression off and on throughout his life, it only became severe in recent weeks,” his chief of staff, Adam Jentleson, said in a statement.
Mr. Fetterman, a newly elected Democrat from Pennsylvania, was evaluated on Monday by the attending physician of Congress, Dr. Brian P. Monahan, who recommended inpatient care at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Mr. Jentleson said.
“John agreed, and he is receiving treatment on a voluntary basis,” Mr. 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.”
Mr. Fetterman’s wife, Gisele, in a tweet said she was “proud of him for asking for help and getting the care he needs.”
“This is a difficult time for our family, so please respect our privacy. For us, the kids come first,” she wrote. “Take care of yourselves. Hold your loved ones close, you are not alone.”
Mr. Fetterman, 53, checked himself in Wednesday night, his office said.
Last week, Mr. Fetterman stayed two days in George Washington University Hospital, checking himself in after becoming lightheaded. Mr. Fetterman’s office has said tests found no evidence of a new stroke or a seizure, and he was discharged on Friday.
Thursday’s announcement drew expressions of support and praise, from both inside and outside Pennsylvania, for being open about his depression.
Fellow Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. Bob Casey, who just announced his own successful surgery for prostate cancer, said on facebook that “Millions of Americans struggle with their mental health. I am proud of Senator John Fetterman for getting the help he needs and for publicly acknowledging his challenges to break down the stigma for others. Terese and I are sending our prayers to John, Gisele, and the Fetterman family.”
Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., said “Praying for @SenFettermanPA and his family as he rightly attends to his health and total well-being. By speaking openly about depression, he’s helping to heal a lot of other people in the process.
“Keep the faith, brother. We are all pulling for you!”
And Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey posted, “Senator John Fetterman has shown us what it means to prioritize your health and wellness while continuing to serve the people of Pennsylvania. Senator Fetterman’s public acknowledgment of the treatment he is getting will help break down the stigma around Mental Health and remind everyone that it can get better, especially when you get professional help. I am proud to call John my Senator and my friend. Michelle and I are praying for John, Gisele, and the entire Fetterman family.”
Mr. Fetterman continues to suffer the aftereffects of the stroke suffered last May, in particular auditory processing disorder, which can render someone unable to speak fluidly and quickly process spoken conversation into meaning.
The stroke nearly killed him, he has said.
Mr. Fetterman is in his first weeks as a U.S. senator after winning the seat held by now-retired Republican Pat Toomey in a hard-fought contest against GOP nominee Mehmet Oz.
He underwent surgery to implant a pacemaker with a defibrillator to manage two heart conditions, atrial fibrillation and cardiomyopathy, and spent much of the summer recovering and off the campaign trail.
Mr. Fetterman’s condition has led to the Senate installing special equipment so he can read messages on a tablet before responding.
A New York Times story last week also said he hasn’t been engaging with reporters or others as most senators do in the halls of the Capitol but has been taking part in meetings of committees to which he is assigned.
Dr. Bruce Ovbiagele, associate dean and professor of neurology at the University of California-San Francisco, said studies have shown that someone who suffered from depression before having a stroke — like Mr. Fetterman — is at greater risk of having post-stroke depression.
It’s not clear why strokes tend to cause depression, Dr. Ovbiagele said, but strokes act on the brain and can affect behavior, and people who are having trouble recovering can get frustrated, causing depression.
Dr. Eric Lenze, head of the psychiatry department at Washington University in St. Louis, said it is heroic that a major political figure — Mr. Fetterman — admitted to being treated for depression instead of trying to hide it.
“It’s when people admit to it we start to see a reduction in the stigma around mental illness,” Dr. Lenze said. “I’m glad he admitted it. I found it a brave thing to do.”
Senators from both parties were supportive after Mr. Fetterman’s office announced the news, applauding him for getting help and acknowledging that he needed it.
Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Democrat in the Senate, learned about Mr. Fetterman’s hospitalization as he walked off the Senate floor after making a speech.
“I stand by John Fetterman and his family,” Mr. Durbin said. “This is a challenge, unimaginable challenge that he’s faced in life. He deserves the very best in professional care and I’m sure he’ll get it.”
He said he believed Mr. Fetterman would be “back in our ranks” and could serve a full six-year term.
The No. 2 Republican, Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, acknowledged he doesn’t know Mr. Fetterman very well yet but said senators were hoping and praying for his recovery.
“He’s been through a lot physically and mentally,” Mr. Thune said. “He’s got to take care of himself and his family. And I think everybody supports that.”
