Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman (D), admitted to a mental health treatment facility at Walter Reed Hospital roughly six weeks ago, has been discharged after what doctors called a "successful" outcome.
According to Fox News, about a month after beginning his six-year Senate term after defeating Republican opponent and famous television Dr. Oz Mehmet, Fetterman checked himself into the hospital to treat "severe depression."
In the days leading up to his voluntary check-in, Fetterman had reportedly stopped eating and drinking and became physically ill.
"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," Fetterman's office said at the time.
BREAKING: Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman released from hospital after treatment for depression https://t.co/hrlKpN6tJN
— Fox News (@FoxNews) March 31, 2023
Fetterman's office on Friday released a press release detailing the successful treatment, noting that thanks to therapy and proper medication, he's now on the road to recovery.
The senator released a statement expressing joy in being able to return home to his family while thanking staffers at the prestigious hospital for treating him.
"I am so happy to be home. I’m excited to be the father and husband I want to be, and the senator Pennsylvania deserves. Pennsylvanians have always had my back, and I will always have theirs," Fetterman said.
He added: "I am extremely grateful to the incredible team at Walter Reed. The care they provided changed my life. I will have more to say about this soon, but for now I want everyone to know that depression is treatable, and treatment works."
"This isn’t about politics — right now there are people who are suffering with depression in red counties and blue counties. If you need help, please get help."
The newly-elected senator was widely criticized as well, with many noting that the stroke he suffered last May should have probably disqualified him from holding high office, given the obvious effect it had on his speech and other processing abilities.
He also missed 53 of the 64 Senate roll call votes during February and March while admitted to Walter Reed, causing many to wonder, again, whether someone in that capacity should be able to make decisions at the national security level and beyond.
Those same critics are quick to point out that it's not a personal attack against Fetterman, just like it's not personal against President Joe Biden, rather, it's a matter of ensuring we have physically and cognitively healthy leaders at the highest levels of U.S. government, especially at such a perilous time when America's enemies smell blood in the water.
Hopefully, Fetterman is able to show up to work and do the job his supporters elected him to do. He certainly can't afford another medical mishap, not for the next six years or so.
