Fetterman blames campaign and opposition for his depression.

Senator John Fetterman Blames Brutal Campaign for Hospitalization

Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) recently opened up about his hospitalization in February, blaming it on the “brutality” of his 2022 Senate campaign. In an interview with Pittsburgh CBS affiliate KDKA, Fetterman revealed that he checked himself into Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where he was diagnosed with depression and spent six weeks in treatment.

Impact of the Campaign on Fetterman’s Health

Fetterman attributed his depression to the “brutality” of the campaign and the Republicans he faced. He stated that “some people believe it was one of the most vicious political campaigns.” However, he did not blame his opponent, Dr. Mehmet Oz, for his health issues.

Fetterman’s health was a major concern during the campaign, as he suffered a massive stroke in May that sidelined him from campaigning for months. His stroke was thrust into the spotlight after an NBC News report in October revealed that Fetterman needed a giant computer screen with closed captions to understand what the reporter was saying. During his lone debate with Dr. Oz, Fetterman struggled to find words and gave several incoherent and incomplete answers to questions.

Fetterman’s Recovery

Fetterman admitted that his mental health was preventing him from being an effective Senator, husband, and father. However, he stated that he is now in better shape and that his depression is in remission. He returned to work on April 17, when the Senate returned from recess.

According to a statement from Dr. David Williamson, chief of neuropsychiatry and medical director of Walter Reed, Fetterman’s depression was severe, causing low energy and motivation, minimal speech, poor sleep, slowed thinking, slowed movement, and feelings of guilt and worthlessness. Fortunately, Fetterman did not show signs of suicidal ideation. His symptoms had progressively worsened over a period of eight weeks, causing him to stop eating and drinking, which led to low blood pressure and possibly hurting blood flow to his brain.

Fetterman’s Commitment to Long-Term Treatment

Fetterman’s depression was handled with medication therapy, and his mood steadily improved over the following weeks. He committed to long-term treatment for depression, according to the report.

Despite the challenges he faced, Fetterman remains committed to his role as a United States senator. When asked if he was fit, mentally and physically, to be a senator, he replied, “Hell yes, and that’s why I’m doing it.”

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