Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman has opened up about his battle with depression, revealing the emotional toll it took on him during a tight election campaign.
The 46-year-old Democrat, who won the election in November, told CBS that he had been open about his struggles with anxiety and depression for years, but felt forced to be more public about them after winning.
Senator Fetterman spoke candidly about how his mental health has affected him during the past few months, especially when he was on the campaign trail.
"I've always struggled with depression, anxiety, and a whole host of other things," he said. "But I've never been as open about it as I am now because I feel like I can make a difference."
Fetterman revealed that in the final weeks of the election, he hit rock bottom and was unable to leave his house.
"I hit a downward spiral, where I couldn't leave my house for three weeks," Fetterman said. "I couldn't talk to anyone. I was on the edge of having a complete mental breakdown."
But with the support of his wife, Gisele Barboza, and medical professionals, Senator Fetterman slowly began to recover.
"My wife is an incredible person who has supported me through this whole thing," he said. "She helped me get the treatment I needed and made sure I took care of myself."
The Senator also revealed that his experience with depression had given him a new appreciation for life and a renewed sense of purpose.
"I realized how fragile life can be, and it's okay to not be okay," Fetterman said. "It's okay to ask for help, and it's okay to take care of yourself."
Senator John Fetterman's openness about his mental health journey has sent a powerful message to his constituents and beyond, highlighting the importance of prioritizing one's well-being and seeking help when needed.
The Senator also encouraged others who may be struggling with similar issues to come forward and share their stories, saying "If I can do it, you can too."
In a video released by CNN, Fetterman spoke candidly about his mental health journey, emphasizing the importance of speaking openly about such issues.
The 46-year-old Democrat, who won the election in November, told CBS that he had been open about his struggles with anxiety and depression for years, but felt forced to be more public about them after winning.
Senator Fetterman spoke candidly about how his mental health has affected him during the past few months, especially when he was on the campaign trail.
"I've always struggled with depression, anxiety, and a whole host of other things," he said. "But I've never been as open about it as I am now because I feel like I can make a difference."
Fetterman revealed that in the final weeks of the election, he hit rock bottom and was unable to leave his house.
"I hit a downward spiral, where I couldn't leave my house for three weeks," Fetterman said. "I couldn't talk to anyone. I was on the edge of having a complete mental breakdown."
But with the support of his wife, Gisele Barboza, and medical professionals, Senator Fetterman slowly began to recover.
"My wife is an incredible person who has supported me through this whole thing," he said. "She helped me get the treatment I needed and made sure I took care of myself."
The Senator also revealed that his experience with depression had given him a new appreciation for life and a renewed sense of purpose.
"I realized how fragile life can be, and it's okay to not be okay," Fetterman said. "It's okay to ask for help, and it's okay to take care of yourself."
Senator John Fetterman's openness about his mental health journey has sent a powerful message to his constituents and beyond, highlighting the importance of prioritizing one's well-being and seeking help when needed.
The Senator also encouraged others who may be struggling with similar issues to come forward and share their stories, saying "If I can do it, you can too."
In a video released by CNN, Fetterman spoke candidly about his mental health journey, emphasizing the importance of speaking openly about such issues.
. like, we've known he's struggled with anxiety and depression for years already... it just seems like a marketing ploy to be relatable or something 
. I mean, I'm all for mental health awareness and everything, but is this really necessary? can't we just assume people are struggling in silence? 
he's really inspiring for talking about it and sharing his story to help others, but I feel like we need more public figures doing this kinda thing - it would be amazing if they could break the stigma around mental health 
maybe we can get more people like him using their platforms to spread awareness and encourage others to talk about it too 
I'm so glad Senator John Fetterman is speaking up about his struggles with depression and anxiety. It's amazing how brave he is to be vulnerable like this 
. It's not always easy to talk about our mental health, but it can be a total game-changer for others who are going through similar struggles 
. I think it's so beautiful that his wife Gisele has been such a rock for him throughout this journey 
. And honestly, I'm just so inspired by his openness and message of self-care 
. If we can create a culture where it's okay to not be okay, then we're already halfway there 
. Keep shining, Senator Fetterman! 
I'm so proud of John Fetterman for being so brave and open about his struggles with depression and anxiety! It's not easy to talk about that stuff, but he's showing us that it's okay to be vulnerable and ask for help 
. His story is a reminder that we don't have to face our mental health struggles alone, and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness 
.
It's amazing how open Senator Fetterman is about his struggles with depression and anxiety... 
... like anyone hasn't been open about their depression before? And honestly, I think it's kinda weird that he's now "encouraging" others to come forward with their struggles... shouldn't they be focusing on solving the real issues instead of just sharing their feelings? 
! Like, I know he's always been open about his struggles with anxiety and depression, but to actually talk about it like this? It's like, he's putting himself out there on a plate for everyone to see, and that takes SO. MUCH. COURAGE 
? Like, who wouldn't want to be able to look back on something so dark and difficult and just say "you know what? I made it through"? It sounds like Senator Fetterman has finally found a sense of purpose and appreciation for life after being through that tough time 
? Like, she's got his back through all this, and that means everything 
but dealing with depression & anxiety is no joke 
especially during election campaigns when the pressure is real 
️ i'm glad senator fetterman spoke out 'bout it tho, hope it helps others feel less alone 
mental health matters, let's keep talking about it! 
just think about it... politicians always talk about unity & strength but how many actually show their true selves? 
Mental health is so tough, especially when your life is in the public eye... like senator Fetterman's 
. It's crazy how he was on the campaign trail and just couldn't leave his house for three weeks 
. I mean, who hasn't been there, right? Depression can be super sneaky and it's not always easy to ask for help. But Fetterman is doing a great job of breaking that stigma 
he's been through some crazy stuff but you know what? he came out on top 
. Like, hitting rock bottom and not being able to leave the house is no joke 
. We need more people in positions of power talking openly about their struggles and encouraging others to do the same 
, politicians included. We need more open conversations like this to break the stigma 
. Fetterman's story is a reminder that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness 