Our thoughts and prayers are with U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., as it was revealed that the Congressman is in a deep depression and currently being treated at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.
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According to the Associated Press, former Rhode Island U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy said Thursday after visiting the hospitalized Chicago Democrat:
“I don’t think people understand the depth of his depression. It’s deep. He has a lot of work to continue to do to be able to learn how to treat this illness in the most effective way possible…Depression is a serious thing, and I’m glad that he’s taking it seriously.”
The congressman’s wife, Chicago Alderman Sandi Jackson, issued a statement through spokesman Kevin Lampe about Kennedy’s visit: “My husband is grateful for his friendship. He and Jesse have a long history in Congress together.”
Jackson’s spokesman declined to comment Thursday, and it’s uncertain when Jackson can return to work. Last week, an aide said the congressman could be expected back at work in a matter of weeks.
But after the Mayo Clinic released a detailed diagnosis of his health, his spokesman declined to comment.
Jackson’s father, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, also has declined to speak on the topic.
Kennedy, who served with Jackson on the House Appropriations Committee, left Congress last year. He has been an outspoken advocate for mental health and spoken publicly about his own struggles as they have both suffered from the same disorder.
Kennedy said it appeared that Jackson wasn’t initially ready to acknowledge that he needed medical care.
We hope that Jackson gets the care he needs and makes a swift and healthy recovery.
SOURCE: AP
Photo courtesy of AP
