Fetterman draws praise for getting help for depression

By MARY CLARE JALONICK
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The office of Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman says he has checked himself into the hospital for clinical depression. His public struggle is extraordinary in a building where few talk about their own mental health, but his colleagues have been supportive. John Thune, the Senate’s No. 2 Republican, says, “The more open, transparent people can be, the better our understanding is.” The statement Thursday says Fetterman has experienced depression on and off in his life, but it had only become severe in recent weeks. His hospitalization comes after a rough year in which the 53-year-old suffered a stroke just ahead of his May primary election.