Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) is discharged from hospital. The senator is back in Braddock, PA. His depression is in remission, and he will return when the Senate reconvenes.
Fetterman’s office said in a statement provided to PoliticusUSA: “U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania John Fetterman has returned to Braddock. Earlier today he was released from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where he was treated for major depression by a team led by Dr David Williamson, chief of neuropsychiatry and medical director. According to Dr. Williamson, Senator Fetterman’s depression is now in remission. All of Senator Fetterman’s treatment took place at the 7 East Neuropsychiatry Unit, a medical unit. With the Senate suspended for the next two weeks, Sen. Fetterman will spend time with family and constituents in Pennsylvania and return to Washington, DC, when the Senate session resumes on April 17.
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In his discharge report, Dr Williamson, the doctor who treated the senator, said his speech abilities were improving as his depression improved and the doctor suggested the depression may have been an obstacle to his recovery after a stroke.
Senator Fetterman urged people with depression to get help: “I’m so happy to be home. I’m thrilled to be the father and husband I want to be, and the senator from Pennsylvania he deserves. Pennsylvanians have always had my back, and I will always have theirs. I am extremely grateful to the amazing team at Walter Reed. The care they gave me changed my life. I will have more to say about this soon, but for now I want everyone to know that depression can be treated and that treatment works. It’s not about politics – right now there are people suffering from depression in red counties and blue counties. If you need help, please get help.
According to American Stroke Association, depression is a common experience among stroke survivors and is often caused by biochemical changes in the brain. Depression can be a barrier to rehabilitation and recovery after stroke.
Pennsylvanians will be happy to have their senator back, and Senate Democrats will welcome their 51st vote.
John Fetterman has had a tough road lately, and it’s good to see he’s made progress in his recovery.
Jason is the editor. He is also a member of the White House press pool and a congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason holds a bachelor’s degree in political science. His graduate studies focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.
Awards and Professional Memberships
Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and the American Political Science Association