Deon Derrico knows what you’re thinking, and he understands why.
But the reality star would like to speak out.
About a month ago, the TLC personality shocked fans when he and his wife, Karen, confirmed their divorce.
The break-up comes Whereas The latest season of Doubling Down With the Derricos is airing on the aforementioned network … and the pair remain parents to an astonishing 14 children.
“We are united in raising our 14 beautiful children — their well-being is our priority,” Dion and Karen said in a joint statement several days ago.
“We thank everyone for their understanding and support as we move forward for the well-being of our family.”
Earlier this week, Karen broke her silence over the shock split, saying on social media that she was “doing the best that I can”, and added:
“The kids are great. It’s summer, we definitely want to keep them busy and active, and that’s the plan right now.”
Following his wife’s message and the completion of divorce paperwork, Dion shared a quote from actor Robin Williams (who committed suicide in 2014) on his Instagram Story that mentioned depression, telling followers that he found the late actor’s words relevant.
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Aware of the concerns that have emerged online regarding her mental health, Dion has gone ahead and uploaded a video in response to these concerns.
“I feel great,” he said in the footage. “Like all of us, I’m dealing with a lot of problems, I have a lot going on with me – many of you know what’s going on with me – but no, I’m not suicidal.”
The veteran reality star added:
“When I posted that thing about Robin Williams, it was because it was true.
“He, like me, enjoyed making others happy, but there was very little of it [came] Sometimes I have to deal with my pain too. This is what happened to me too.
“I try to make people happy because I’ve been through it too and I understand what pain feels like and I want to make it better for other people.
“But there is no way under God’s green earth that I would be in any way depressed or suicidal or any of those things.”
According to their divorce papers, the former couple plans to equally split legal and physical custody of their 13 minor children, with Dion ordered to pay $1,166 per month in child support.
Along with an 18-year-old son — whose desire to move across the country has been a point of controversy on this season of their TLC series — the Derricos are parents to:
Derrick, 13 … 12-year-old twins Dallas and Denver … 10-year-old quintet Dionne, DaeSean, Detain, Denico and Dariz … 6-year-olds Daiz and Dire … and 4-year-old triplets Dawsyn, Dae’Aren and Dyaver.
The family will begin filming their ongoing reality series in 2020.
Dion encouraged those struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts to reach out to a health professional or local organization to find someone who can help them.
“These problems can be very serious – and, as we all know, life-threatening,” he said.
“But Dion Derrico is good. I’m good, I mean I’m really good mentally. But thank you guys for your concerns.”
In the caption accompanying the video, the father of 14 said:
I have been facing many challenges lately, but I am very emotionally healthy, my mindset is strong, and I feel very blessed for my good health and family!!!
The former spouses had drawn the following conclusions when they announced their divorce:
“We are united in raising our 14 beautiful children – their wellbeing is our priority.
“We thank everyone for their understanding and support as we move forward for the well-being of our family.”