U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. was admitted to Mayo Clinic for bipolar disorder. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Rep. Jackson's website.)

By The Associated Press

CHICAGO - U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Junior has spoken out publicly for the first time about his treatment for bipolar disorder and other health issues.

The Illinois Democrat released a robo-call Saturday to his Chicago-area constituents in which he seeks to explain his four-month absence. He says he's grappling with a difficult series of events and that he is human and doing his best.

Jackson thanks his supporters and says he is "starting to heal,'' but that his doctors tell him the road to recovery will be long.

The 47-year-old congressman quietly went on leave in early June and his staff didn't initially disclose the nature of his illness. It was later revealed he had been hospitalized at the Mayo Clinic for treatment of bipolar disorder and gastrointestinal problems.

Mayo Clinic checkup

The Rev. Jesse Jackson says his congressman son will head back to Minnesota's Mayo Clinic for a checkup. 

The elder Jackson told The Associated Press on Sunday that doctors will determine if the congressman needs to stay longer.

A Mayo spokeswoman says Jackson isn't a current patient and couldn't confirm whether he has plans to check into the clinic.

Messages for Jackson's spokesmen weren't immediately returned. The elder Jackson wouldn't say when his son's checkup was. He says Jackson wants to work, but only doctors can determine that. 

Jackson Jr. is seeking re-election to a ninth term.