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How A US Senator Is Tackling The Stigma Surrounding Depression

After a particularly rough year, he's getting the help he needs. Alex Wong/Getty Images

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It’s been a tough year for John Fetterman. The Democratic U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania suffered a near-fatal stroke in May and hit the campaign trail in time to beat his GOP rival in November’s election.

Nevertheless, he’s been left with some lasting physical problems and he was admitted to the hospital earlier this month after feeling lightheaded. But now he’s under medical observation for a different — and very important — reason.

Addressing his mental health

Although Fetterman hasn’t connected last year’s stroke to his latest bout with depression, the American Heart Association reports that about 1 in 3 stroke survivors go on to experience “biochemical changes in the brain” that can lead to such feelings.

A statement from his office confirmed that he “has experienced depression of and on throughout his life” but “it only became severe in recent weeks.”

As a result, he agreed to seek treatment and was admitted to Walter Reed Medical Center for in-patient care.

A step in the right direction

Not only do supporters say this was the best course of action for Fetterman, but many are also heralding his decision as one that will help tear down some of the walls that prevent others from openly discussing mental health challenges.

Although our society has made some progress in recent years when it comes to dealing with such issues, many people — particularly men — remain hesitant to get the help they need.

Psychiatrist Pooja Lakshmin of the George Washington University School of Medicine applauded Fetterman’s decision, calling it “hugely powerful” in the ongoing effort to tackle the stigma.

“Talking about it really helps,” she said. “When you see something like this in the news, it gives folks permission to share that story with a friend, to bring it up in a text chat.”

Chris Agee
Chris Agee February 18th, 2023
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