Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.--not heard from since June--and being treated for bipolar disorder and depression--on Saturday sent out an automated phone call to voters in his 2nd congressional district pleading for patience 17 days before the election, speaking out about his condition for the first time.

In the robo call Jackson says, "Like many human beings a series of events came together in my life at the same time and they have been difficult to sort through. I am human. I am doing my best. I am trying to sort through them all."

He said he is "anxious to return to work on your behalf" but it is against "medical advice" for him to do so. While he is "starting to heal," Jackson said his doctors told him "the road to recovery is a long one."

Jackson is on his way back to the Mayo Clinic for treatment--he's not there yet, I am told. It now seems unlikely that Jackson will surface in the public before election day. After he left Mayo, he returned to his home in Washington D.C. but found himself the subject of stories about his whereabouts when he was seen in a D.C. bar on on the steps of his DuPont Circle home.

In the robo call Jackson says, "Like many human beings a series of events came together in my life at the same time and they have been difficult to sort through. I am human. I am doing my best. I am trying to sort through them all."

Below, the entire text of the Jackson call...

Hello this is Congressman Jackson. For the past few months I have undergone medical treatment to address several serious health issues.

Like many human beings a series of events came together in my life at the same time and they have been difficult to sort through. I am human. I am doing my best. I am trying to sort through them all.

I want to thank you for the many thoughts and prayers during this difficult time for me and my family, especially my colleagues and the people who mean most to me, my constituents.

I am starting to heal. The good news is my health is improving, but my doctors tell me the road to recovery is a long one.

For nearly 18 years I have served the people of the second district, I am anxious to return to work on your behalf, but at this time it is against medical advice, and while I will always give my all to my constituents, I ask for your continued patience as I work to get my health back.

After my family, my constituents are the most important people in the world to me. I will always act in your best interests. Your patience, your prayers and your support during this difficult time means more to me than you will ever know. With your help, your patience, and God's grace, we will continue to work together to strengthen our communities, provide a better future for our children and leave the world a better than we found it.

Thank you and God bless you.