John Fetterman checks into hospital to get treatment for clinical depression

Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman checked himself into the hospital Wednesday night to receive treatment for clinical depression that has worsened in recent weeks, according to his office.

The Democratic senator sought inpatient care from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland at the suggestion of the congressional attending physician, a Thursday news release stated. The physician evaluated Fetterman on Monday and recommended hospitalization on Wednesday, according to the senator’s chief of staff.

“John agreed, and he is receiving treatment on a voluntary basis,” Adam Jentleson, Fetterman’s chief of staff, said.

The lawmaker has suffered from depression at various points in his life, but his condition recently became severe, the staffer said. Walter Reed physicians have told Fetterman’s office that the senator is “getting the care he needs, and will soon be back to himself.”

More:Fetterman's hospitalization, Casey's cancer raise questions about health of Pa.'s senators

Fetterman's wife, Gisele Barreto Fetterman, said in an email update to supporters that she's proud of her husband for seeking help.

"I’m never one to cover up my emotions, and today is no exception. I’m sad, and worried, as any wife and mother would be," she said. "But at the end of the day, I know John is strong. He’s tough and he’s human. He is still the fun, loving, caring, compassionate man I fell in love with so many years ago."

PA politics:John Fetterman has reforged every political office he’s held. Now what?

It’s the second time this month that Fetterman, who survived a life-threatening stroke last year, has been hospitalized.

Last week, after beginning to feel lightheaded during a Democratic retreat, he was admitted to George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C. After determining that Fetterman hadn’t suffered another stroke and finding no evidence that he’d experienced a seizure, the hospital discharged him Friday, according to his staff.

Concerns about Fetterman’s health were a prominent feature of last year’s Senate race between the Democrat and Republican Mehmet Oz. Fetterman suffered his stroke in May, shortly before the primary election, and spent several months off the campaign trail in recovery.

If you or someone you know needs mental health support, contact the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. You can also check this list to find a 24-hour crisis hotline in your county.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: John Fetterman checked into a Maryland hospital for depression