Mayo Clinic: Jesse Jackson Undergoing Evaluations For Depression

Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. is at Mayo Clinic undergoing treatment for “depression and gastrointestinal issues,” according to a statement that was released by the congressman late Friday from the clinic’s location in Rochester, Minnesota.

Until Friday’s statement, Jackson’s whereabouts have been a mystery, despite Congress’s requests for more information, reports The Chicago Tribune. The statement that was issued Friday also offers the most descriptive of Rep. Jackson’s condition.

Jackson’s office was slow in announcing his medical leave, waiting until two weeks after the Representative left, and initially said that he was being treated for exhaustion. The latest statement, which is more in-depth, reads that Jesse Jackson Jr. arrived at the Mayo Clinic “for extensive inpatient evaluation for depression and gastrointestinal issues.”

When Jackson’s office was pressured in early July, the office responded by saying he was being treated for a “mood disorder,” but did not say anything else, besides denying he was being treated for alcohol or drug abuse.

According to Sneed, the congressman was accompanied to the Mayo Clinic by his wife, Ald. Sandi Jackson, who believes that her husband’s weight loss surgery years ago could be the source of his mental issues. A source close to Jackson stated:

“The plan was for Jesse to receive treatment in Tucson and then go back to work. But after weeks of treatment in Tucson, it was felt maybe his mental condition had been aggravated or caused by effects of the stomach surgery.”

The Chicago Tribune reports that the full text of Jesse Jackson Jr.’s statement, which was confirmed by a spokeswoman from the Mayo Clinic, reads:

“Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. has arrived at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., for extensive inpatient evaluation for depression and gastrointestinal issues. Further information will be released as Congressman Jackson’s evaluation proceeds. Congressman Jackson and his family are grateful for the outpouring of support and prayers that have been received throughout his care.”

Check out a statement by Jesse Jackson Jr.’s mother below:

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