On the Wonderful Journey that I Have Had to Spend the Last 17 Years with my Dad and Husband,” Sen. Paul Fetterman, J.D.
Fetterman was being treated for depression at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center when he was discharged.
“I am so happy to be home,” the freshman Democrat said in a statement. I want to be a dad and husband, and the senator Pennsylvania deserves that. Pennsylvanians have always had my back, and I will always have theirs.”
Fetterman was admitted on a voluntary basis to an inn for treatment for the symptoms of clinical depression just over six weeks ago.
“I am extremely grateful to the incredible team at Walter Reed. The care they provided changed my life. I am going to have more to say about this, but for now I want the world to know that depression is manageable and can be treated. This isn’t about politics — right now there are people who are suffering with depression in red counties and blue counties. Please get help if you need it.
A View of Senator Fetterman’s Medical Progress during his November 2017 Residence with his Family in Pennsylvania, and his Communication with His Family
Fetterman, who was elected to the Senate in November after defeating Dr. Mehmet Oz, has recently faced multiple health problems that have forced him to take a break from his work.
At the time, he’d showed severe symptoms of depression – following weeks of significant weight loss and loss of appetite — his doctor said in a discharge briefing summarized by the senator’s office. In treatment, his depression gradually improved, and was managed with the help of medication.
In February, the senator went to the George Washington University Hospital after feeling lightheaded, his office announced. His office said that the test results showed that he had not suffered a new stroke.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or mental health issues, please call 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline, or visit their website.
He will return to the Senate on April 17, his office said. In the meantime, Sen. Fetterman will be spending time with his family in Pennsylvania.
He is still dealing with communication issues related to his hearing issues. He’s depended on aides at the Capitol who help him translate voice and text for his conversations.
Fetterman had hearing aids fitted during his treatment and also worked with speech-language specialists to help him with mild to moderate hearing loss. The doctor’s summary indicated that his speech abilities had improved.