Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) shared his experience with depression while being treated at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
Fetterman spoke with CBS News’ “Sunday Morning” anchor Jane Pauley, telling her, “The whole thing about depression is that objectively you may have won, but depression can absolutely convince you that you actually lost.”
He continued, “And that was the start of a downward spiral.”
Fetterman explained, “I had stopped leaving my bed. I stopped eating. I was dropping weight. I stopped engaging – some of the most things that I have loved in my life.”
Watch Fetterman’s comments below:
“You may have won, but depression can absolutely convince you that you actually lost”: Sen. @JohnFetterman told @CBSSunday’s Jane Pauley the symptoms he experienced before being hospitalized for depression.
— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) April 3, 2023
He is now home and plans to return to the Senate after Easter recess. pic.twitter.com/cBhleV7pvv
Additionally, Fetterman recalled having a conversation with his 14-year-old son.
“He said, ‘Dad, what’s wrong? We’re great, you’re here, and you won.’ An incredibly sad moment where my 14-year-old can’t possibly understand why you can’t get out of your bed,” Fetterman said.
Pauley commented on Fetterman’s appearance the day he was sworn in.
“People who know you say that that day you looked miserable and lost,” she said.
Fetterman replied, “Yeah. I was definitely depressed.”
On Friday, Fetterman was discharged from the hospital where he had been since February.
Fetterman’s spokesperson, Joe Calvello, said he has returned to Pennsylvania to spend some time with his family and constituents “for the next two weeks,” per NBC News.
The senator released a statement of his own, expressing gratitude for those who have helped him.
“I am extremely grateful to the incredible team at Walter Reed. The care they provided changed my life,” Fetterman said.
He continued, “I will have more to say about this soon, but for now I want everyone to know that depression is treatable, and treatment works. 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.”