Up to a third of stroke sufferers develop depression symptoms, according to the Stroke Association.įetterman's political brand was somewhat tied to his unconventional tough guy looks - standing at 6-foot-8, with tattooed arms, a shaved head and a goatee - the former Braddock, Pennsylvania mayor looked like he came straight from a Pittsburgh steel mill. When people talk to Fetterman, he hears something akin to how the adults in the Peanuts' cartoons sound: squawking provided by a muted trombone, The Times reported.īesides the hearing issue - which is exacerbated when Fetterman is feeling stressed - the Times reported that the stroke recovery had put a 'very real psychological toll' on the politician. He still suffers from auditory processing issues, which means he has to use devices that provide him with closed captioning to engage with his Senate colleagues and constituents and participate in committee hearings. The New York Times reported earlier this month that the Democrat has struggled to adjust to life as a senator.įetterman refused an interview with the paper, but aides and allies said the already difficult transition to the Senate was made 'vastly more difficult by the strains of his recovery,' noting that it left him with 'a physical impairment and serious mental health challenges.' Brian Monahan, the Attending Physician of the United States Congress. John Fetterman is captured riding on the Senate subway between the Capitol and Senate office buildings in late JanuaryĬNN reported that Fetterman's symptoms included weight loss and lack of appetite, which led to his spell in the George Washington University Hospital in the days preceding his stay at Walter Reed.įetterman's Chief of Staff Adam Jentleson had said that the senator 'experienced depression off and on throughout his life,' but ultimately decided to seek treatment when he was examined by Dr. It will take time for doctors to get Fetterman's medication right, the network said.Ī senior aide told NBC that it's been difficult to differentiate between the senator's stroke recovery and the depression, with the staffer saying it's sometimes unclear if he's 'not hearing you, or is he sort of crippled by his depression and social anxiety.' In the days following Fetterman checking into Walter Reed, a senior aide told NBC News that he's expected to be sidelined from the Senate for weeks while treatment is progressing. 'And I hope that not only he gets the help, but I hope others who are watching are able to maybe reduce some of that stigma associated with getting that care and go get care for themselves.' Fetterman, who's obviously a very public figure, raised his hand and said I need help, and was able to check himself in to get that help, I think that's very inspiring,' Shapiro also said. ![]() 'I think we have a real stigma in this country associated with asking for help when you have mental health struggles and the fact that Sen. It was a brave thing that he did, asking for help, asking for that care,' Shapiro commented. 'And I hope he's getting the care that he needs. Shapiro told NBC that he's been texting with Gisele. Fetterman for leading by example and taking the time he needs to get healthy.'ĭalton couldn't say whether the president had personally spoken with Fetterman in the nearly two weeks since he's been hospitalized. Fetterman did the right and brave thing by getting the help that he needs,' she added. ![]() 'Millions of Americans go untreated with depression every day, Sen. Principal deputy White House press secretary Olivia Dalton was asked Tuesday if the president was worried that Fetterman's potentially weeks long absence could complicate the confirmation process for his newly announced pick for labor secretary, Julie Su.ĭalton said she didn't have 'anything additional to read out' and, again, expressed that the president and first lady were 'thinking about John, Gisele and the entire family at this moment.' ![]() Fetterman's decision as to what he will do in the future.' When asked if there is a contingency plan in place in case Fetterman decides he wants to step down, Shapiro told the network: 'There is no contingency plan and it is 100 percent Sen. Bob Casey is up for reelection in November 2024, and so Democrats would have to defend two seats in a highly competitive swing state should Fetterman bow out. In an interview with NBC News Monday, Shapiro said he expects the 53-year-old Fetterman to 'serve for a good long while,' adding that he didn't feel that Democrats were pressuring Fetterman to quit, nor were they forcing him to stay in his seat.
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