Fetterman: I assumed speaking about mental health challenges would end my career

When Sen. John Fetterman left Walter Reed Medical Center this spring after six weeks of treatment for depression, he figured his political career was over.

“When it got released where I was and where it was going, it was, it was a big story. And so, I had assumed that that would be the end of my career,” the Pennsylvania Democrat told Kristen Welker during an interview on NBC's “Meet the Press” airing Sunday.

“I really didn't know what would happen at that point,” he told Welker.

Nine months later, Fetterman is still in Congress. And he’s taken on the role as one of the Senate’s most colorful personalities — grabbing headlines most recently for sending his indicted colleague Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) a Cameo message from ousted former Rep. George Santos.

Instead of torpedoing his career, Fetterman’s openness about his mental health struggles has been lauded by medical professionals, other members of Congress and the public.

“It’s a risk that I wanted to take because I wanted to help people and know that I don't want them to suffer the way — or put any kinds of despair that I've been in. And if that conversation helps, then that’s — I'm going to continue to do that,” Fetterman said.