Editor’s note: (If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 to be connected to a trained counselor or visit 988lifeline.org.)
(CNN) Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania checked himself into Walter Reed National Military Medical Center “to receive treatment for clinical depression,” his chief of staff announced Thursday.
“On Monday, John was evaluated by Dr. Brian P. Monahan, the Attending Physician to the United States Congress. Yesterday, Dr. Monahan recommended inpatient care at Walter Reed. John agreed, and he received treatment on a voluntary basis,” Chief of Staff Adam Jentleson said in a statement.
Fetterman is a freshman senator and was elected in November after suffering a stroke in May of last year.
Fetterman’s wife, Gisele, said Thursday that she was “so proud of him for reaching out for help.”
“After what he went through last year, there’s probably no one who wants to talk about his own health less than John. I’m so proud of him for getting help and getting the care he needs,” he tweeted.
He went on to say, “This is a difficult time for our family, so please respect our privacy.”
A statement from Fetterman’s chief of staff announcing the news said, “After John’s evaluation, the doctors at Walter Reed told us that John is getting the care he needs, and will soon be able to return to himself.”
it also said Fetterman had experienced depression “off and on” over the course of his life, the issue “only becoming more severe in recent weeks.”
Last week, Fetterman’s office announced that after feeling light-headed, Fetterman went to the George Washington University hospital. He was discharged two days later, and his office said the test results were able to “rule out a new stroke.”
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle voiced support for Fetterman on Thursday.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he was happy to hear the senator “got the help he needed.”
“Millions of Americans, like John, struggle with depression every day. I look forward to seeing him back in the Senate soon. Sending love and support to John, Gisele, and their family,” Schumer tweeted .
This story has been updated with additional developments.
