Jesse Jackson Jr. Mood Disorder: Mother Says Son Dealing With Political 'Disappointments' (VIDEO)

Jesse Jackson Jr.'s Mother Says Son Dealing With 'Disappointments'

The mother of U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Ill.) on Friday weighed in on the recent disclosure of her son's treatment for a mood disorder while speaking at the Rainbow PUSH coalition conference in Chicago.

Addressing the conference, Jackie Jackson said her son "is unwell, and he needs a moment to heal," ABC Chicago reports. She went on to comment that the Chicago Democrat has dealt with "enormous" political disappointments in recent years that may have contributed to his condition.

"He thought he was going to be the senator - thought he was going to have a chance to run for mayor," Jackie Jackson said, according to the station. "And young people don't bounce back with disappointment like me and my husband."

The remarks were Jackie Jackson's first since the congressman took a leave of absence due, initially, to "exhaustion." She did not offer any additional details about his condition.

After Democratic leaders in Congress ratcheted up pressure, his office released a statement Wednesday reporting that Jackson, 47, is receiving "intensive medical treatment at a residential treatment facility for a mood disorder. He is responding positively to treatment and is expected to make a full recovery."

As that statement did not offer additional details about Jackson's specific whereabouts or the name of his doctor, the disclosure still leaves many questions about his medical leave unanswered.

The congressman's father, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, on Thursday said at an unrelated media event that his son "needs and deserves privacy." Jackson previously commented that it was "inappropriate" for him to discuss his son's condition.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, too, on Thursday urged patience and some privacy as Jackson recovers.

"I know a lot of people are saying when is he going to get back to work, he should get back to work -- why would he go back to work to a Congress that does no work," Emanuel said, according to the Chicago Tribune. "Why rush? Take care of your health. Guess what? Congress is going to be there."

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Jesse Jackson Jr.

Jesse Jackson Jr. Medical Condition

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