Senator John Fetterman, a Pennsylvania Democrat, recently returned to the U.S. Senate after taking leave in mid-February to seek treatment for clinical depression. In his first interview since returning, Fetterman spoke with NPR's Scott Detrow about his journey and his responsibility to share his story. He wants people to know that "there's a path, and you can get better."

Fetterman received a standing ovation from his colleagues upon his return to Congress, which he described as a moving experience. His colleagues, including Democratic Senators Tina Smith of Minnesota and Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, as well as Republican Senator Katie Britt of Alabama, visited him while he was receiving treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

Fetterman spoke about the pressures of political campaigning and the impact it had on his mental health. He suffered a severe stroke during his Senate campaign last year, and the endless attack ads, combined with the stroke, led to a "perfect storm." Even after winning the Senate seat, Fetterman still felt lost and depressed.

He shared his emotional journey with his family, especially the pain he caused his eldest son on his 14th birthday, the day he checked himself into the hospital. Fetterman said that he fears his son will always associate his birthday with the day his father checked himself into the hospital. The six weeks in treatment was "about me redeeming, trying to redeem myself in their eyes."

Fetterman now feels grateful to have his depression in remission and to be able to enjoy simple moments with his family, such as taking his kids out for pizza. He hopes that his story will inspire others who are struggling with mental health issues to seek help and that he can play a role in reducing the stigma associated with depression.