Illinois representative Jesse Jackson Jr. went on hiatus from congress on June 10. At the time he told his office released a statement explaining that he was being treated for that mythical term “exhaustion” at an undisclosed location.
The Chicago media leaped all over the story, demanding to know exactly where Jackson was being treated. Rumors swirled that Jackson attempted suicide. Reporters besieged Jackson’s family and associates with requests for more details on what was ailing him.
After a month of speculation and rampant rumors, Jackson’s office released another brief statement about Jackson’s illness.
“The congressman is receiving intensive medical treatment at a residential treatment facility for a mood disorder,” said the statement, citing Jackson’s doctor. “He is responding positively to treatment..”
Jackson’s office hoped the new information would appease the media, but the statement only added to the confusion.
Mood disorder is a blanket term that could mean anything from depression to personality disorders and mental problems, such as bipolar disorder (formerly manic-depression). Jackson reportedly has a history of alcoholism.
A family friend told NBC News that the congressman has severe clinical depression, and a drinking problem, and he was in treatment at a rehab facility in Arizona.
But Jackson’s wife, Sandi, a Chicago alderman, told NBC Chicago that her husband was not in rehab.
The Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. would not elaborate on where his son was either, but he told FOX Chicago News, “Our family’s in prayer. He is under medical supervision, regaining his strength. At the appropriate time, he will give a fuller report.”
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