Fetterman’s chief of staff tweeted a series of pictures taken at the psychiatric care facility where he is currently hospitalized to receive treatment for clinical depression.
Adam Jentleson, Fetterman’s chief of staff, tweeted the pictures from his personal account, saying the senator is “well on his way to recovery”.
The pictures show the two at a table where Fetterman is looking over documents related to rail safety legislation.
The set of three photos are the first sign of the Democrat Senator from Pennsylvania since he voluntarily checked into Walter Reed National Military Medical Center at the recommendation of Brian Monahan, Congress’ attending physician.
In a statement at the time, Jentleson said Fetterman would likely remain hospitalized for “a few weeks” as doctors tested different combinations of medications and dosages.
He also said Fetterman was struggling with feelings of his self-worth after suffering complications of multiple strokes. Despite his condition, senior aides say resignation “was never discussed, not even on the table in any sense.”
Even before his depression, Fetterman’s fitness for office was a hot topic on the campaign trail. He had noticeable auditory processing issues during a debate with opponent Mehmet Oz.
That showing evidently was not enough to dissuade voters in Pennsylvania, but his struggles have only continued since taking office. He uses live audio-to-text transcription in committees and his Senate colleagues typically use a tablet that transcribes their discussion when communicating with him.
Dr. Lee Schwamm, a neurologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, told NBC News that post-stroke depression is common. However, depression so severe it requires hospitalization, as in Fetterman’s case, is much less common.
Fetterman has received well wishes from Democrats in Congress, including President Joe Biden, who tweeted, “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.”
