Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. treated for depression at Mayo Clinic

Democratic Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., who has been absent from Capitol Hill since mid-June, is receiving treatment for depression.

The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota said the Illinois lawmaker had arrived at the healthcare center for "extensive inpatient evaluation for depression and gastrointestinal issues," in a statement from the congressman, released late Friday by the clinic.

"Further information will be released as Congressman Jackson’s evaluation proceeds," the statement continued.  "Congressman Jackson and his family are grateful for the outpouring of support and prayers that have been received throughout his care."

Jackson, a nine-term Democrat, has been on medical leave for over a month.

Previously, his office would only say that he was being treated for a "mood disorder" and disputed reports that he was receiving medical help for alcohol addiction. 

Jackson's absence from the Hill led to questions from his fellow Democratic lawmakers and a split over whether he should be more forthcoming about his condition.

Earlier this month, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) defended him, saying that he should not be pressured by the press to disclose more details about his absence and that any such discussions should be dictated solely by his "healthcare needs."

Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), however, said Jackson would be “well-advised” to share more details and that voters had a right to know more about his absence.

After Jackson was last seen on the Hill, his office initially issued a statement claiming he was suffering from "exhaustion." A subsequent statement said that he was dealing with a "medical condition ... more serious than we thought and initially believed."

Sen. Dick Durbin, earlier this month, said he believed voters would reward Jackson for opening up about his medical issues.  "The people of Illinois and this country are going to embrace anything he is doing to put himself in a good strong position to return to his family and to Congress," said Durbin in an interview with NBC, urging Jackson to disclose more.

Durbin praised fellow Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), who has provided regular updates on his recovery after a stroke. 

“Sen. Kirk has set the right standard by talking about his rehabilitation and the progress he's making. I hope very, very soon that Congressman Jackson can tell us what he's facing,” Durbin said.

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