Dad: Rep. Jesse Jackson going back to Mayo

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CHICAGO, Oct. 21 (UPI) -- U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., D-Ill., who is dealing with mental health issues, will return to the Mayo Clinic "soon" for further care, his father said Sunday.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. told the Chicago Tribune his son would go to the clinic Rochester, Minn., for re-evaluation and to seek to "regain his equilibrium." The newspaper said a source close to congressman said he would head to the Mayo early this week, but the elder Jackson said it would not happen Sunday.

The 47-year-old congressman went on a medical leave June 10, receiving treatment at a facility in Arizona before transferring to the Mayo Clinic in late July. His condition has been variously described as bipolar disorder and bipolar depression, the Tribune said.

The elder Jackson said his son had been seeing doctors daily in Washington since leaving the clinic early last month as he attempted to return to work while dealing with his health issues, the newspaper said.

The father said his son's condition does not lend itself to an "artificial schedule."

The younger Jackson was seen drinking on back-to-back nights at a Washington tavern recently, the Tribune said. His father declined to comment on whether that may have had a negative impact on his recovery.

On Saturday, the congressman's constituents received an 85-second, recorded message via automated telephone calls asking them for patience and thanking them for their "many thoughts and prayers during this difficult time for me."

Jackson, who has represented the 2nd District since December 1995, is up for re-election on Nov. 6.