Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman has opened up about his struggles with depression, revealing that he was at the lowest point just days before winning a tight election in November 2022. The Democrat's candid discussion comes as part of an interview with CBS News where he spoke publicly for the first time about his experience.
Fetterman revealed that during the final weeks of the campaign, he hit rock bottom and considered dropping out of the race but was persuaded to stay by his wife and advisors. He described feeling "helpless" after losing friends and family members close to him due to the pressures of campaigning. The senator has credited therapy sessions with helping him come to terms with his feelings and regain his footing.
Fetterman's openness on mental health is a significant departure from previous politicians who have struggled with similar issues in private, or rarely spoken about them at all. His willingness to discuss depression and anxiety could provide an opportunity for others to do the same without fear of judgment.
The senator's candid conversation highlights the need for greater discussion around mental health issues within politics, particularly as politicians face intense scrutiny and high pressure environments.
Fetterman revealed that during the final weeks of the campaign, he hit rock bottom and considered dropping out of the race but was persuaded to stay by his wife and advisors. He described feeling "helpless" after losing friends and family members close to him due to the pressures of campaigning. The senator has credited therapy sessions with helping him come to terms with his feelings and regain his footing.
Fetterman's openness on mental health is a significant departure from previous politicians who have struggled with similar issues in private, or rarely spoken about them at all. His willingness to discuss depression and anxiety could provide an opportunity for others to do the same without fear of judgment.
The senator's candid conversation highlights the need for greater discussion around mental health issues within politics, particularly as politicians face intense scrutiny and high pressure environments.
I think it's so cool that John Fetterman is breaking the stigma around talking about depression and anxiety in politics. Like, we've all seen leaders struggle with mental health issues behind closed doors, but rarely do they share their struggles publicly. It's super brave of him to open up like this.
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i think its really brave of him to share that kinda stuff, especially in a politician. mental health is still super stigmatized and it's cool to see someone in a powerful position speaking up about it. hope more ppl do the same without fear of being judged or losing votes 
! It takes a big person to share that kinda stuff, especially when it's something so personal. I mean, we've all been there, right? Feeling like you're hitting rock bottom and can't get out of the hole. But it's clear he had some amazing support system in place - his wife is a total rockstar! 
. We need more politicians like him who are willing to talk about mental health, because let's be real, it's a huge part of our lives. I'm all for that openness and honesty - it's so refreshing! 
I'm so proud of Sen Fetterman for being so brave and honest about his struggles with depression! 
It takes a lot of courage to admit when we're not okay, and it's amazing that he's using his platform to raise awareness and reduce the stigma around mental health issues. 
It's a huge step forward for our country, and I'm loving the fact that he's taking care of himself and prioritizing his mental well-being. 
. It's like, he could've just swept it under the rug like some other politicians do, but nope, he chose to open up and share his story with the world. I think that's super important because mental health is still a big stigma, you know? People are too afraid to talk about it or ask for help 
. It's like, we've all been there, right? But instead of bottling it up, he channeled that energy into therapy sessions and came out on top 
. We need more leaders who are willing to talk about their struggles and show us that it's okay to not be okay 
. I mean, who doesn't love a good sob story at the end of an election campaign? Fetterman's willingness to open up about his struggles is definitely inspiring, but let's be real, we've heard it all before... or so we thought 
. Maybe now we'll see some actual change in how politicians approach mental health, or maybe not 
. Either way, kudos to him for taking the first step, I guess 
. It's about time someone did, though - who knows how many others are out there quietly dealing with their own struggles?
. It takes a big person to share their struggles and it can actually help others who might be going through similar stuff. Mental health issues are still kinda stigmatized in politics, but if someone as influential as Sen Fetterman can do it, maybe we'll see more people talking about it 
. Therapy is a great way to deal with it too, but sometimes just knowing you're not alone is enough 
. I mean, politicians already have enough pressure on them, but mental health is like, a HUGE part of it, you know? I'm so down for more people in politics being open about their struggles, like Sen Fetterman, to help others who might be going through the same thing 
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. But Fetterman showing up and saying "hey, I've been there too" is so refreshing! 
. We need more leaders like Fetterman who are willing to talk about their vulnerabilities and help others do the same 
. But you know what's even more inspiring? The fact that he talked about it openly, like it was nothing. Mental health stigma is so real and politicians need to break free from that if we wanna have a healthy discourse 
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. His willingness to talk about therapy is really inspiring too - I think more people need to know that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness