Topline
Sen. John Fetterman (D-Penn.) could remain hospitalized for more than a month before returning to office, according to the Wall Street Journal, as Fetterman undergoes treatment for “severe” depression after admitting himself to Walter Reed Military Medical Center earlier this week.
Fetterman could be hospitalized for more than a month, according to a senior aide.
Key Facts
A senior aide for Fetterman told the Wall Street Journal that the senator will remain hospitalized as doctors try new medications and dosages to test their efficacy—though a hospital stay would likely be less than two months.
The senator will also participate in talk therapy—in which a patient discusses their mental health with a professional—while undergoing treatment, the aide added, noting “it is very hard to apply self-care” while handling clinical depression.
Some Democratic senators have offered their support for Fetterman, who was also hospitalized for lightheadedness earlier this month, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) and Sen. Tina Smith (Minn.), who tweeted Fetterman’s hospitalization “is a sign of strength, not weakness.”
President Joe Biden also offered his support Friday and said Fetterman’s decision to seek care “is brave and important.”
Surprising Fact
It is not uncommon for people like Fetterman—who suffered a stroke during his campaign trail last year—to experience depression after a stroke. Clinical depression affects about one-third of all stroke survivors, according to the American Stroke Association, compared to 5% to 13% of adults who have not suffered a stroke.
Key Background
Fetterman’s chief of staff Adam Jentleson said in a statement earlier this week the senator had hospitalized himself on the advice of congressional physician Dr. Brian P. Monahan. Jentleson noted Fetterman has dealt with bouts of depression throughout his life, though his condition had worsened in recent weeks. Residual issues stemming from a stroke suffered last year have frustrated Fetterman during his first six weeks as a senator, according to the New York Times. Fetterman has reportedly experienced issues with hearing, which has prevented him from engaging with reporters in the halls of Congress. He also now relies on a closed-captioning device to understand what others are saying.
Further Reading
Sen. Fetterman Hospitalized For ‘Severe’ Depression (Forbes)
John Fetterman Discharged From Hospital After 2 Days—Will Return To Senate Monday, Office Says (Forbes)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2023/02/18/fetterman-could-be-hospitalized-for-more-than-a-month-report-says/