Fetterman released from inpatient treatment for depression

John Fetterman has returned home after more than a month of inpatient treatment for depression, the Pennsylvania senator said Friday.

“I am so happy to be home,” the Democratic senator said in a statement following his release from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center near D.C. “I am extremely grateful to the incredible team at Walter Reed. The care they provided changed my life.”

Fetterman plans to return to the Senate the week of April 17, after the congressional recess. He began receiving treatment at Walter Reed in mid-February. The senator’s doctor said Fetterman’s depression is now in remission, according to the statement.

Fetterman also suffered a stroke in May, during Pennsylvania’s Senate primary, and was sidelined from the trail for months. He has continued to struggle with auditory processing, and uses transcription technology to help him talk to colleagues and conduct Senate business. Doctors have said that depression is common among stroke survivors.

“I will have more to say about this soon, but for now I want everyone to know that depression is treatable, and treatment works,” Fetterman said. “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.”

Fetterman posted a picture of himself on his Twitter account Friday evening, giving a thumbs up as he got into a vehicle. “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.”