Trigger Warning: This story contains mentions of suicide and suicidal ideation.
After posting an Instagram Story this week that caused fans to express concern over his mental health, Deon Derrico of TLC’s Doubling Down with the Derricos insists he’s “doing mentally great.”
Earlier this week, the father of 15 shared a quote to his Instagram Story by actor Robin Williams that mentioned depression, telling fans he found the late actor’s words relatable. The post caused some fans of the show to speak out on social media about their concern for Deon’s mental health, with many speculating that Deon and wife Karen Derrico’s recent divorce may be a contributing factor to Deon being in a dark place mentally.
(As The Ashley previously told you, Deon and Karen, who have appeared on TLC with their children since 2020, officially– and secretly– ended their marriage earlier this month, just two days after filing for divorce.)
On Tuesday, Deon took to Instagram to issue a “PSA” to fans, in which he assured that he is OK.
“That’s not a coverup, that’s not a facade, I’m doing very good,” he continued. “Just like all of us, I am dealing with a lot, I have a lot going on– a lot of you guys know what I have going on– but no, I’m not suicidal.
“ … when I posted that thing about Robin Williams, it’s because it’s true,” he continued. “He, just like myself, enjoyed making other people happy, but a lot of that [came] from his own pain at times. Same thing with me. I try to make people happy because of what I’ve gone through and me understanding what pain is like and wanting to make it better for other people. But there is no way under God’s green earth that I’m in any way depressed, suicidal, any of those things.”
Deon went on to encourage those who are dealing with depression or suicidal thoughts to reach out to a health professional or local organization in order to find someone who can assist them.
“ … [these struggles] can become very severe– and deadly, of course, as we all know,” he said. “But Deon Derrico is good. I am good, I mean I am really and truly, mentally good. But thank you guys for your expressed concerns.”
In the caption of his video, Deon noted that he had also chosen to share the original Instagram Story as a way “to help any and everyone” who may be dealing with certain challenges in their lives.
“Again, I’m not depressed nor sad albeit I’ve been inundated with a lot of challenges here recently, but I’m emotionally very healthy, sound in my thinking, and feeling very blessed for my great health and family,” he added.
Deon filmed his “PSA” to fans from a hospital room, where he was visiting his mom, Marian “GG” Derrico. Deon revealed earlier in the week that he and his mom had taken separate trips to the emergency room. While he did not reveal the reason why he sought medical attention, he told fans that Marian was dehydrated and had “very low” potassium. (As fans of the show know, Marian is also battling lung cancer.)
Deon assured fans on Tuesday that his mom was “doing very good,” but still “kind of under the weather.”
New episodes of ‘Doubling Down with the Derricos’ air Tuesdays on TLC.
RELATED STORY: ‘Doubling Down with the Derricos’ Stars Karen & Deon Derrico Are Officially Divorced: Details On the Couple’s Secret Split
(Photos: Instagram)
