Senator John Fetterman from Pennsylvania is currently receiving treatment for clinical depression at Walter Reed hospital, where he checked in on February 16. Despite facing challenges in his recovery journey, Fetterman’s chief of staff, Adam Jentleson, posted photos of a meeting they had on Monday, where they discussed rail safety legislation, the Farm Bill, and other Senate matters.
Productive morning with Senator Fetterman at Walter Reed discussing the rail safety legislation, Farm Bill and other Senate business. John is well on his way to recovery and wanted me to say how grateful he is for all the well wishes. He’s laser focused on PA & will be back soon. pic.twitter.com/143uAhoQRx
— Adam Jentleson (@AJentleson) March 6, 2023
Fetterman’s decision to seek in-patient treatment for severe depression followed a spell of dizziness on February 7. The senator, who suffered a stroke while on the campaign trail in May, has been struggling with sensory processing issues and relies on computer technology to provide closed captions during interviews.
Fetterman’s wife, Gisele, praised her husband for challenging societal expectations and so-called “gender roles” that often discourage men from seeking help for their mental health. In response to the photos, Fetterman’s wife Gisele said, “Society’s expectations and traditional gender roles play a part in why men are less likely to discuss or seek help for their mental health. As always, John continues to challenge the conversation. So human, so kind, so cute.”
Society's expectations and traditional gender roles play a part in why men are less likely to discuss or seek help for their mental health. As always, John continues to challenge the conversation. So human, so kind, so cute. 🥰❤️ https://t.co/WLJMRsqvrk
— Gisele Barreto Fetterman (@giselefetterman) March 6, 2023
She also recently took her children to Canada to while Fetterman remained in the hospital.
“We drove straight into … Canada (and lovely Buffalo NY) (Pro Tip: always have passports ready just in case you have to run away ) We talked about lots of hard things and how we will all have to face hard things. About the need to be gentle … with all and with ourselves,” she added.
One of Fetterman’s senior aides told NBC that it’s sometimes difficult to determine whether the senator’s difficulties stem from his stroke recovery or his depression and social anxiety. Jentleson assured Fetterman’s supporters that the senator is on his way to recovery and remains “laser-focused” on serving his constituents in Pennsylvania.
