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Courtesy Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy
Former Congressman Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) meets with Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., who is undergoing treatment for bipolar disorder at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.
Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-IL) received a special visit at the Mayo Clinic from a longtime friend and colleague on Thursday. Former Congressman Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) traveled to Minnesota to spend time with Jackson, Jr. who is undergoing treatment for bipolar disorder.
Kennedy told NBC News their meeting was "really emotional." Kennedy said it was clear to him that Jackson has been "dealing with a deep depression" that has also affected him physically. "In the room, I could feel it," said Kennedy, referring to the depression's impact on Jackson's physical movement, demeanor and energy.
Courtesy Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy
Patrick Kennedy and Jesse Jackson Jr. meet at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., Aug. 16.
During their time together, Kennedy said Jackson talked about the political pressure he has felt to either resign from Congress or not seek re-election. "He's worried about his political future," Kennedy said adding "I tried to emphasize there is a future." Kennedy attempted to offer reassurance by telling Jackson he is an "inspiration" for "showing people this is a serious issue that should be dealt with like any other medical condition." Kennedy urged Jackson to consider that he is making clear to the public and his constituents that "he is getting treatment like he would if he had cancer and this is just as deadly." Kennedy was referring to suicide rates for serious mental illnesses.
Kennedy did not indicate that Jackson has made any decisions about his own political career and he did not offer any specific advice. Kennedy understands that Jackson feels the weight of the stigma often associated with mental illness. Kennedy said, "he asked about me, how did I get through this?" Kennedy has received treatment for depression and addiction at the same Minnesota facility and was able to remain in office. Kennedy chose not to seek another House term in 2010.
Courtesy Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy
Jesse Jackson Jr. and Patrick Kennedy at the Mayo Clinic, Aug. 16.
Both are sons of famous fathers who have carried that weight throughout their lives and now share a "common struggle" with depression. Kennedy and Jackson, both in their 40s, have been friends for many years.
Kennedy says he is "confident" Jackson is making progress and deserves credit for "staying with it, "by remaining in treatment when he likely feels so much pressure "to get out." Jackson took a leave of absence from Congress June 10th.
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Jr. , Brother. Get a hair cut. Your lookin nappy man. Clean yourself up for trail.
I don't agree with his politics, and would not vote for him, but I sure hope he gets a treatment that is beneficial and lasting. That would be a terrible condition to suffer from. Would not wish that on anyone.
I don't understand why this very private matter is being made so very public. Whoever does Jackson Jr.'s PR is steering him way off course with this. And Patrick Kennedy is quite a piece of work. Talk about a PR nightmare! Could it get much worse? I realize they're trying to reduce the stigma around mental illness, but let's just call this what it is: two loser sons of very famous fathers who just can't seem to ever get their sh*t together.
I am depressed, too. About the direction of our country under the leadership of a totally inept, inexperienced, pandering President.
I am going to apply for disability payments from Social Security.
That is a perfect example of the type of losers that are bilking the disability fund now in this bogus era of big govt..
Jackson needs to take off his skirt, man up, and retire because he is not serving his constituents sitting around crying with the drug and alcohol-addled Patrick Kennedy.
Get himself well - on his time and not the country's dime by collecting a salary for doing nothing.
One liberal slob talking to another. Both products of their liberal daddies.
JUNKIE conference!
Oh please. This makes me wanna cry. "My daddy was famous and now I can't deal with it."
Get over yourselves. You're not the only ones with problems. Put on your big boy pants and get on with it. Quit trying to be martyrs.
I just love reading these boards. It's a daily laugh or chuckle. Brings me out of my depression.
Another satisfied and cured customer!
:-)
I am assuming that Jackson is getting the best treatment that US backed and paid for health care can buy? Now think about it this is a country that has no National Health Care Program, Right. So why should anybody be surprised when someone mentally ill opens fire at a US Representatives Event or goes into a Movie theater and opens fire. They have no alternatives like Jackson. What is scary is like Vietnam there is a wave of new events on the horizon and there is that thoughly American answer....As Long as it doesnt affect me I dont care!
I Hate being bipolar ....... It's awesome.
the country is in dire need of an enema. where these two are would be a great insertion point.
Unfit to lead...unfit to serve, except as an MSNBC commentator.
Yeah, right - He's 47 years old and is just now being diagnosed with Bi-Polar? I really doubt it. He's been an elected official for 17 years. My guess is, he's burned out, can't handle his psychotic father, and is growing increasingly disappointed in Obama....
I know someone who suffers from bi-polar disorder. When manic, he is likely to jump on a plane, go somewhere where he knows no one, use charge cards and bad checks buying things he neither wants nor needs. His behavior is excessive and bizarre. He may well drink or abuse drugs. Then, when the mania declines, he is left with the wreckage of his life, a drawerful of bills, and a depression so severe he can't even get out of bed to bathe.
He has insurance. It will not pay for more than 72 hours of hospitalization. It will not pay for psychiatric treatment. It will only pay for medications, which he has to see a psychiatrist in order to get.
Insurance companies and the country in general are completely indifferent to the problems of the mentally ill. It is not just that some people resist treatment, it is that those willing to get treatment can't get it.
On top of everything else, you then have the social stigma that goes with admitting you are mentally ill. Given a choice, most people with a mental illness would rather have cancer. A physical disease is covered by insurance, gets you some understanding and sympathy and is more likely to be curable.
Have a Chick Fil A, chase it with a three-finger vintage scotch, topped off with a good cubano, and life's great, eh?
This "very private matter" should not be kept private. It should not be hidden away. It is a disease. It is not something of which you should be ashamed. Do we tell cancer patients to hide themselves away? Do we tell people will amputations to stay in the closet because their lack of a leg might alarm someone?
One of the biggest problems with mental illness is the shame and the stigma and the lack of public understanding. I applaud anyone who stands up and says, "Look at me. I have a disease and I am trying to get it into remission and I would like to get some acceptance from the rest of you while a fight this battle." This takes courage. And it will, hopefully, open a few minds to the suffering that goes with mental illness. Maybe a few more people will be a little more tolerant.
Pat told Jessee. Lets get out of here and go get drunk. I know where there is a bridge we can drive over.