
<p>There seem to be two sides to the issue of Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman’s health. ; </p>



<p>He is being highly praised for addressing his current health issue – chronic depression &#8212; with courage by seeking professional treatment. ; After all, chronic depression – like any mental disease – is not something to which folks like to admit publicly. ; It is a malady that people too often suffer in silence.</p>



<p>That side of the story is worth telling, but there is another side that is not being told. ; How sick is Fetterman?</p>



<p>I – like most folks – have had to deal with family and friends with serious depression. ; It is most extreme if it leads to ideations of suicide – or the tragic reality. ; My mother’s cousin and my own niece both took their own lives because of chronic depression. ; Another relative committed herself to a psychiatric facility. ; Mostly, however, they were treated as outpatients. ; In most cases, it meant a lifelong dependency on some form of medication and consultation.</p>



<p>In the vast majority of depression cases, the person suffers dramatic mood swings … inability to work or perform daily activities … self-defeating and self-destructive behavior.</p>



<p>According to the reports, Fetterman had sought medical advice from two doctors – the second of which recommended hospitalization. ; The Senator took his doctor’s advice and voluntarily admitted himself to treatment.</p>



<p>One question is … what would the doctor have done if Fetterman refused to be hospitalized. Depending on the diagnosis, the doctor could have had Fetterman committed to a psychiatric facility against his will. ; That generally involves patients who are determined to be imminent dangers to themselves or others. ; That is surprisingly more common than most folks know. ; In some cases, patients self-commit under the threat of being committed involuntarily. ; In most states, there is a maximum – usually three or four days – that a patient can be held against their will.</p>



<p>It is odd that in all the initial reporting I followed, there was no mention of the symptoms. ; Was he suicidal? ; That is one of the primary reasons for entering a psychiatric facility. ; Is Fetterman in a general medical ward or in a designated psychiatric facility – as is the common practice in these situations?</p>



<p>What stood out in the Fetterman case above all things was the statements by his staff that he would likely be hospitalized for weeks? ; That needs some explanation regarding his symptoms and conditions. ; In the many times I was personally involved with individuals suffering from depression – and a number of them were severe – there was never the need for long-term hospitalization. ; In most cases, they were treated as outpatients.</p>



<p>The press needs to ask more detailed questions and Fetterman needs to explain his symptoms in greater detail. ; Was he suicidal – a threat to himself or others? ; Did his condition lead to any acts of violence – such as tossing vases or smashing furniture? ; Was he totally incapable of performing his duties as a United States Senator? ; Was he showing up on the job?</p>



<p>This is no difference from when the seriousness of Fetterman’s stroke was downplayed for public consumption. ; Over time, it became obvious that it was more serious than initially revealed. ; They talked about a full recovery, but apparently, the debilities caused by the stroke have not ended. ; In fact, doctors commenting on his current situation are referring to the stroke as “serious” and even “very serious” – and a possible reason for the depression.</p>



<p>Because the questions are not being asked by the media – or the details being offered by Fetterman – we do not know the extent of Fetterman’s medical condition – and this commentary is not offering up any opinions on that subject. ; However, with that length of hospitalization, there can be no doubt that Fetterman’s condition is extremely serious – more serious than we are being led to believe. ; That is why he needs to give the public more than a general statement on his decision to enter a medical facility. ; ;</p>



<p>Yes, it is good for him to address his problem with depression directly and forthrightly. ; In view of his public office, however, the people have a right to know the details of his depression. ; ;</p>



<p>So, there ‘tis.</p>

How Sick is Fetterman?
