David Mann Opens Up About His 2-Year Battle With Depression

David Mann and his wife, Tamela Mann, sat down with Tamron Hall on the Tamron Hall Show this Wednesday (Oct 12). Widely known for bringing laughter to the world, David opens up about secretly battling depression and how he has dealt with his encounter with mental health issues. 

“Pray For Your Strong Friends”

David Mann gave insight into his two-year battle with depression. Mann referred to himself as a “fixer.” 

“I’m a fixer; I’ll fix everything,” Mann shared. “As the male figure and head of the family, he takes the lead on many decisions of his household…As long as everybody else is good, I’ll figure it out in my own later.” 

David also shared the driving force behind now being forthcoming about his battles. He specifically highlighted the stigma in the black community as it relates to mental health and therapy. 

“Quite honestly, I was embarrassed. I was ashamed because, ya know, I’m David Mann. I make the world laugh,” Mann said. 

“It’s like I was drowning, but nobody knew I was drowning,” Mann continued with tears in his eyes. “The only way people were going to realize I was drowning was if I completely drowned.”

While there’s much to say about this sensitive topic, David shares how he just knew “something didn’t feel right.” Tamela chimed in on noticing signs but admitted depression was not something she considered. The two agreed prayer was at the forefront but seeking professional help ultimately brought comfort and healing in conjunction. 

The Mann Duo

The famous Mann-duo sang to the hearts of many through gospel music while a part of Kirk Franklin’s gospel group in the early 1990s. This stint in their musical career earned them many accolades.  

David Mann with his wife. Image source: Getty Images.

David and Tamela Mann took the world by storm with their roles in Tyler Perry’s productions. With Tamela as Cora Simmons and David as Mr. Brown, the Manns brought an organic edge to comedy that’s impossible to duplicate. 

The two have been together for over 34 years and have raised 5 children together. Though they have achieved much success, mental health still became a trial their family had to overcome. 

Written by Antoinette Ford | Facebook: Antoinette Ford | Instagram: iamtonimonique_ | Twitter: @mizzford9

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