President Joe Biden is expressing support for Sen. John Fetterman (D-Penn.) as he undergoes treatment for depression.
In a tweet on Friday, Biden said, “John, Gisele – Jill and I are thinking about your family today. Millions of people struggle with depression every day, often in private.”
“Getting the care you need is brave and important. We’re grateful to you for leading by example,” he added.
John, Gisele – Jill and I are thinking about your family today.
— President Biden (@POTUS) February 17, 2023
Millions of people struggle with depression every day, often in private.
Getting the care you need is brave and important. We're grateful to you for leading by example. https://t.co/V3rGZSKrM4
Fetterman’s chief of staff, Adam Jentleson, said in a statement Thursday, “Last night, Senator John Fetterman checked himself into Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to receive treatment for clinical depression.”
“While John has experienced depression off and on throughout his life, it only became severe in recent weeks,” he continued.
Jentleson explained the attending physician of Congress recommended inpatient care for Fetterman.
“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,” the statement added.
Senator John Fetterman checked himself into Walter Reed last night "to receive treatment for clinical depression," Fetterman's chief of staff says in a new stmt.
— Alayna Treene (@alaynatreene) February 16, 2023
"While John has experienced depression off and on throughout his life, it only became severe in recent weeks." pic.twitter.com/XAprqJDSq1
NBC News’ Dash Burns tweeted Friday, “NEW: A senior aide to Senator Fetterman tells me he will likely be in inpatient care for clinical depression for “a few weeks.”
NEW: A senior aide to Senator Fetterman tells me he will likely be in inpatient care for clinical depression for "a few weeks."
— Dasha Burns (@DashaBurns) February 17, 2023
Fetterman was sworn in for his first term as senator in January.
He flipped Pennsylvania’s crucial Senate seat, which contributed to Democrats expanding their majority in the chamber by one.
During the campaign, Fetterman suffered a stroke which left him sidelined for three months.
In October, Fetterman’s campaign released a letter from his physician, Dr. Clifford Chen, which stated, “Overall, the Lt. Governor is recovering well from his stroke and his health has continued to improve.”
He noted the then-Senate candidate “continues to exhibit symptoms of an auditory processing disorder which can come across as a hearing difficulty.”
However, Chen said Fetterman’s communication had shown signs of improvement.
“He has no work restrictions and can work full duty in public office,” Chen added.
