John Fetterman is fired by Walter Reed and returns to the Senate

Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) has been discharged from the hospital. The Senator is back in Braddock, PA. His depression is in remission, and he will return when the Senate reconvenes.

Fetterman’s office said in a statement to PoliticusUSA: “US Senator from Pennsylvania John Fetterman is back in Braddock. Earlier this morning he was discharged from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where he was diagnosed with major depression by a team led by Dr. David Williamson, Head of Neuropsychiatry and Medical Director. according to dr Williamson is Senator Fetterman’s depression now in remission. All of Senator Fetterman’s treatment took place in the Department of Neuropsychiatry at 7 East, a medical unit. With the Senate on recess for the next two weeks, Senator Fetterman will be spending time with his family and constituents in Pennsylvania and will return to Washington, DC when Senate session resumes on April 17.”

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In his discharge report, Dr. Williamson, the doctor who treated the senator, said his language skills improved as his depression improved, and the doctor suggested depression may have been a barrier to his stroke recovery.

Sen. Fetterman urged people suffering from depression to get help: “I’m so lucky to be home. I look forward to being the father and husband I want to be and the Senator that Pennsylvania deserves. Pennsylvanians have always had my back, and I will always have theirs. I am very grateful to the incredible team at Walter Reed. Your care has changed my life. I’ll have more to say about this soon, but for now I want everyone to know that depression is treatable and the treatment works. This is not about politics – right now there are people suffering from depression in red and blue districts. If you need help, please get help.”

According to the American Stroke Association, depression is a common experience for stroke survivors and is often caused by biochemical changes in the brain. Depression can be a barrier to rehabilitation and recovery after stroke.

Pennsylvanians will be happy to have their senator back, and Senate Democrats will welcome their 51st vote.

John Fetterman has had a tough road of late and it’s good to see that he’s made progress in his recovery.

Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House press pool and congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a bachelor’s degree in political science. His thesis focused on public policy with a specialization in social reform movements.

Awards and professional memberships

Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and the American Political Science Association