OPINION: Man up: Fetterman’s mental health journey highlights the growing issue of men's mental health.

Editor’s Note: This story first appeared in TNP’s 2023 spring print.

Mark Harris and Zach Donaldson contributed to this piece.

Mark Harris is a first-year student at Ohio University and an opinion writer at The New Political.

​​Zach Donaldson is a sophomore studying political science and an opinion writer for The New Political. 

Please note that these views and opinions do not reflect those of The New Political.

On Feb. 16, Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman was admitted to Walter Reed Medical Center seeking treatment for clinical depression, sparking media attention both positive and negative. Many praised him for his bravery, others questioned his ability to perform his duties. This along with his past stroke caused some to question his competence, though he has not indicated any desire to step down. The news has brought men’s mental health into the limelight, placing one of Washington’s most bouldering male figures in a rare position of public vulnerability.

Mark’s Reaction

Having followed the Fetterman campaign closely in last year's election, I was aware of how his stroke affected the discourse around his campaign. So, when I first heard he was going to Walter Reed for mental health reasons, my immediate reaction was that this would bolster the argument questioning his mental fitness to serve as senator. However, almost immediately after thinking that, it sunk in that I had never seen a man in his position ever seek out medical treatment for his mental health. I cannot even think of another man I know that proactively sought mental health treatment. I have depression, and I know how that makes you appear to other men. So, the fact that he prioritized his own wellbeing and the happiness of his family over what other people think, to me, was very inspiring. It is all too common for men to try to hide away from how they are feeling out of worry that they will be seen as weak. This needs to change in our culture. No one should feel weak or ashamed to seek the medical attention they need. We owe it to ourselves and to our families to seek help when we need it.

Zach’s Reaction

In politics, it is remarkably easy to view a personal crisis through the lens of headlines and poll numbers. As a Pennsylvania Democrat and former intern for Mr. Fetterman’s primary opponent, my immediate reaction to the senator’s stroke in May of last year was about its liability in a general election. It was a vulnerability that Republicans mercilessly exploited in the midterms, and it seems several local-level Republicans are willing to do the same with his recent diagnosis of depression.

I cannot predict what Senator Fetterman’s hospitalization means politically. What I can say is that his struggle is one where politics should not be the most important part of the conversation.

In the midst of a bevy of major life transitions, grief and stress at the beginning of my freshman year I was formally diagnosed with depression. The closest I can come to describing the experience is being at war with yourself. It carries physical aches and pains, acute and intrusive bouts of self-doubt, sadness and an unwavering feeling of hopelessness. I have never undergone a period that so fundamentally impeded my ability to function. Depression makes life stop.

No words can adequately put into picture what has become a generational crisis amongst my peers. The statistics are staggering. 42% of Generation Z battles feelings of depression and hopelessness, and 18% say their challenges are so severe they feel may be better off dead. Suicide is Gen Z’s second leading cause of death.

Depression is demoralizing and hard to talk about. However, it is anything but uncommon and worth derision. For years mental illness has been stigmatized, only exacerbating the toll it takes on those who deal with it. There is no nobility to be found in suffering in silence.

John Fetterman is a human being before he is a public official. He deserves our utmost empathy and grace through this period, and I hope in extending that courtesy, we can deliver some of that same love to ourselves.

Mark’s takeaways

The first takeaway from Fetterman’s choice is that men shouldn’t be ashamed to seek help. The second is men viewing Fetterman’s choice as a decision of strength and reassurance for others that may seek help. The third is how little the public is informed on this issue. It should not take a senator seeking help for society to begin a discourse on men’s specific mental health struggles and their perception in the eyes of other men. 

It is time men recognize the value of their own mental health, to drop the connotation that it is weak to have mental health struggles and to uplift other men who are struggling. Your happiness matters, no matter who you are or where you come from. So, if you are struggling please do seek help because you deserve to be here and you deserve to be happy.

Zach’s takeaways

What I hope the country can take away from Fetterman’s courageous and public choice to seek treatment is an opportunity to destigmatize mental health issues and reframe its intersection with masculinity.

It is estimated that over half of those who have a mental illness choose not to seek treatment. There has been a long existing prejudice–one that flies in the face of science–that mood disorders are a result of personal or moral failure. Depression, anxiety and addiction are seen as character flaws that lead to the devaluation and discrimination of so many that struggle.

The anecdotal advice amongst men has often been a simple one: man up. Deal with the problem on your own, in your own time. To appear hurt, is to appear weak. It’s a path and mindset that leads to toxic levels of internalization, self-loathing, and isolation.

Of all the male role models I have encountered in my life, I have found the most strength in those who showed vulnerability. Far from a signal of weakness, vulnerability takes courage. It reminds us of our most human qualities and opens the door for actual solutions.

Everyone is hurting, but not everyone will feel comfortable to be open about it. It is my hope that Fetterman, who was typecast as the blue-collar tough guy in his run for senate, will provide that humanity and levity for many who have buried their pain for so long.

For mental health resources, call 1-800-686-2646 or text NAMI to 741741.