This week, every blog, Instagram account and sensational magazine dived into Robert Kardashian and Blac Chyna's most recent split. How could you not? Nudes, text messages and an overflow of vindictive behavior were displayed for the world to see. After being blocked from Instagram, the Arthur George sock designer (Robert) moved onto Twitter, where he continued to air out the deceptions of his former lover, and mother of his first born child, Dream Kardashian.

The blogs had a field day.

Celebrities weighed in. Videos from Snoop Dogg, comments from T.I., and let's not forget viral memes of Rob's "Flat Tummy Tea" album cover, were splattered across social media. All in good fun, right? Depends on how you look at it.

Rob is the only son to one of pop culture's most famous families. Often referred to as the black sheep, he was the rebellious Kardashian who did not conform to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. For years he battled with depression, which resulted in his disinterest in filming the family's hit show, Keeping Up With The Kardashians. After a few publicized breakups with stars like Adrienne Bailon and Rita Ora, Rob kept his dating life private—until Blac Chyna came along. She showed great interest in his health by supporting his weight loss endeavors. Cooking healthy meals and working out together, the pair quickly bonded and began their rocky romance. The Kardashian clan witnessed their once private brother become open to filming and sharing his relationship with Chyna. His sisters were hesitant, but Rob stood by his woman's side, praising her for all of the positive changes she helped him make. Their tumultuous relationship was documented on their reality TV series, Rob & Chyna, and was also the highlight of some episodes in the last two seasons of Keeping Up With The Kardashians.

Rob has a history of showing no restraint on social media. He has publicly shamed his sister Kim (comparing her to the narcissist from the psychological thriller, Gone Girl ) and has even posted his youngest sister Kylie's cell phone number on Twitter. When someone who suffers from depression goes through a traumatic experience, anything, big or small, can push them over the edge. As Rob took to Instagram to expose his ex-fiancé, I didn't laugh, I felt sympathy.

By no means does Rob’s depression excuse his behavior. Revenge porn is never tolerable in any shape or form, and is punishable in the state of California. But consider this: someone who suffers from depression often acts on impulse, and disregards consequences. Just a few days ago, YouTube Vlogger, Stevie Ryan, committed suicide, less than one week after her grandfather’s passing. The star was vocal about her depression, and was unable to deal with trauma of losing a loved one. Both Kanye West and Lil Wayne have rapped about thoughts of suicide and suicide attempts. Through their music they’ve shown that depression is both common and something that one can overcome.

While the world is laughing and judging the demise of Robert Kardashian and Blac Chyna's relationship, I wonder if anyone is looking beyond the surface of this week's outburst. At some point, mental health and depression needs to be addressed, and not mocked.

Marsha b

Writing since June 2017 · 2 stories contributed