He has been hospitalized with clinical depression since Wednesday evening at the national military center. Walter Reed Democratic Senator John Fetterman. After New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern And Scottish colleague of Nicola Sturgeonwho resigned from their posts because they were tired, as they have publicly acknowledged, the Fetterman case sheds new light on the pressure that politicians are under at the international level. At the same time, the senator’s decision confirms that, more and more often, politicians do not hesitate to speak openly about mental problems they face, which stands out from the majority of public opinion in that it dares to declare its vulnerability. This is a new political culture, because until recently politicians believed that they should look without wrinkles, without cracks.

“While John has had episodic bouts of depression throughout his life, the situation has escalated in recent weeks,” his manager Adam Jendelson said in a written statement. After being examined by Dr. Brian Monahan, Congressional Physician, Fetterman followed the recommendation to seek treatment from Walter Reed. “John has given his consent and is now undergoing treatment on a voluntary basis.” Last week, the 53-year-old politician was admitted to the George Washington University Hospital and spent two days in the stroke ward, where he underwent an MRI and other tests to rule out the possibility of a second stroke. Before the 2022 election, Fetterman suffered a major stroke that affected both his physical and mental health, but he still managed to win last November’s midterm elections.

They were preceded by the resignation of Sturgeon and Ardern as prime minister. “I’m a person” and not just a politician, the former said at a press conference in which she explained her sudden decision. “I have no more strength,” admitted the second. Many have linked the two cases and talked, on the one hand, of misogyny, which makes it difficult for women to work in politics, and, on the other hand, of female empathy, which makes them admit to themselves that it is time to retire.