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Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman announced Friday he was discharged from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center after voluntarily entering inpatient care in February to be treated for clinical depression.
“I am so happy to be home. I’m excited to be the father and husband I want to be, and the senator Pennsylvania deserves. Pennsylvanians have always had my back, and I will always have theirs,” Fetterman said in a statement.
“I will have more to say about this soon, but for now I want everyone to know that depression is treatable, and treatment works. This isn’t about politics – right now there are people who are suffering with depression in red counties and blue counties. If you need help, please get help.” Fetterman continued.
Fetterman’s admission helped spark a discussion on mental health. His public acknowledgement of his depression and following treatment is a rarity among politicians. Fetterman’s openness received praise from his fellow senators and mental health advocates.
The doctor who led the senator’s treatment, Dr. David Williamson, neuropsychiatry chief and medical director at Walter Reed, said in his discharge briefing that Fetterman’s depression is now in remission and that “he was ready to return to his family, pursue outpatient treatment, and resume work.”
Fetterman returned to his home in Braddock, Pennsylvania, as the Senate is out of session for the next two weeks.
If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call or text the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 any time day or night, or chat online at 988lifeline.org.
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