According to his Chief of Staff Adam Jentleson, Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman has admitted himself to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to receive treatment for clinical depression.

Although he has experienced depression intermittently throughout his life, it has become severe in recent weeks. Fetterman is receiving inpatient care voluntarily at the medical center.

“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.”  

Fetterman was released from George Washington University Hospital on February 10 after two days for lightheadedness. Tests ruled out a recent stroke or seizure, according to Fetterman’s Communications Director.

Fetterman suffered a stroke in May 2022 and underwent surgery to implant a pacemaker with a defibrillator. Fetterman has said the stroke was caused by a heart condition called atrial fibrillation.

Fetterman’s doctor acknowledged in October that Fetterman continued to “exhibit symptoms of an auditory processing disorder which can come across as hearing difficulty” but that he was recovering well from the near-fatal stroke.

His doctor noted speech therapy would continue and concluded Fetterman is “well and shows strong commitment to maintaining good fitness and health practices. He has no work restrictions and can work full duty in public office.”

Fetterman was sworn in to the U.S. Senate on January 2 after defeating Republican Mehmet Oz with more than 51% of the vote. Fetterman’s victory helped Democrats retain control of the Senate.

In the Senate Fetterman serves on the Committees on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; and Environment & Public Works. He also serves on the Joint Economic Committee and the Special Committee on Aging.

Pennsylvania’s senior U.S. Senator Bob Casey also recently experienced health issues after recently undergoing surgery for prostate cancer. Casey says he anticipates making a full recovery with minimal disruption to his work in the Senate.