U.S. Senator John Fetterman Helping to End Mental Health Stigma Through His Own Lived Experience

Disability Matters with Joyce Bender

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

 #AdvocacyMatters Segment

U.S. Senator John Fetterman Helping to End Mental Health Stigma Through His Own Lived Experience

On Wednesday, February 15, 2023, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) checked himself into Walter Reed National Medical Center. According to a statement released by Senator Fetterman’s office, the Senator is voluntarily receiving treatment for clinical depression. Senator Fetterman’s office stated that he “has experienced depression off and on throughout his life, it only became severe in recent weeks.” The Fetterman family has asked for privacy during this time.

Clinical depression is a more severe form of depression. Depression can range from temporary experiences of sadness to severe major depressive episodes.

The community response has been overwhelmingly supportive of Senator Fetterman.

Fellow lawmakers stepped forward to share their experiences with depression and offered support to the Senator. These lawmakers included: U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN), Rep. Richie Torres (D-NY), Heidi Cruz, wife of Texas Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), former Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-MA), Rep. Susan Wild (D-PA), and more.

Disability community members have stepped forward to use the moment to challenge mental health stigma. American Association of People with Disabilities tweeted that they are “proud of Senator Fetterman for being open about his mental health and for seeking the help he needs.” Senator Fetterman’s staff sent an email out to raise money for NAMI and the PA Mental Health Consumers’ Association. The National Disability Rights Network tweeted, “Kudos to Senator Fetterman for being open and transparent about his mental health. It is encouraging to see a prominent politician break the stigma around seeking treatment.”

#AdvocacyMatters

The best way to end mental health stigma is to be open and honest with our experience with mental health. Honesty breaks down barriers and helps others move into recovery. Everyone should be able to receive the mental health support and treatment they need without being stigmatized.  We applaud Senator Fetterman for sharing with the public that he prioritizes his mental health.