Sen. John Fetterman checks into hospital for clinical depression treatment

Now we have an update on the health of Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman. He has admitted himself into the hospital to receive treatment for clinical depression. This is a condition that affects millions of Americans and many of the Senator's colleagues have been supportive. Scott McFarland is on Capitol Hill. Scott, good morning. This is certainly another setback for the Senator. It's good to see that people on both sides of the aisle are supporting him today.

That's right, Gail. Good morning. Senator Fetterman's spokesman says the Senator checked himself into the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center upon the recommendation of the Office of Attending Physician of Congress. This is the latest in a series of recoveries the Senator is making, including a stroke he suffered while campaigning for the Senate last spring. He was also hospitalized last week for lightheadedness, and now he's receiving inpatient treatment for depression. The National Institutes of Health say more than 20 million Americans suffered an episode of depression in 2020, and there's research showing approximately one in three stroke survivors can be impacted by depression. Fetterman's announcement has sparked a strong outpouring of support from his colleagues who say the stigma around depression too often causes it to go untreated.

This statement from New York Congressman Richie Torres says he would not be alive, let alone in Congress if it weren't for mental health care. The U.S. Surgeon General also issued a statement saying he hopes Senator Fetterman's courage will serve as an example for others. Tony? There is hope out there. Thank you very much.

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