Fetterman released from Walter Reed after 5-week hospitalization for depression: 'I'm excited to be the father and husband I want to be'

In a statement, the Democratic senator from Pennsylvania said he was "happy to be home" following his treatment for depression.

Senator John Fetterman has returned to his home in Pennsylvania following a five-week hospitalization for severe depression, the Democrat's office announced Friday.

"I am so happy to be home," Fetterman said in a statement. "I'm excited to be the father and husband I want to be, and the senator Pennsylvania deserves."

Fetterman, who is recovering from a stroke suffered last year, had voluntarily checked in to Walter Reed Medical Center in February. Survivors of strokes often report symptoms of depression in the months following.

Dr. David Williamson, who oversaw the freshman senator's treatment, said his depression was now "in remission," according to Fetterman's office. In a discharge briefing, Williamson said Fetterman is "ready to return to his family, pursue outpatient treatment, and resume work."

That's far from where he was at five weeks ago. According to the discharge notes shared by Fetterman's office, the senator initially displayed "severe symptoms of depression with low energy and motivation, minimal speech, poor sleep, slowed thinking, slowed movement, [and] feelings of guilt and worthlessness."

Fetterman had also, in the weeks leading up to his hospitalization, "stopped eating and taking fluids, causing him to develop low blood pressure potentially affecting brain circulation."

Although Fetterman has overcome his depression, he will continue with outpatient rehabilitation, according to his office. He is currently back in Braddock, where he previously served as mayor, and lives with his wife and two children.

"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 Friday. "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."

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