MAFS’ Miles Opens Up to Karen About Struggle With Depression
Married at First Sight fan favorites, Miles and Karen, have reached yet another milestone in their budding marriage. Miles opened
Ivy Griffith
Married at First Sight fan favorites, Miles and Karen, have reached yet another milestone in their budding marriage. Miles opened up to his wife on their honeymoon about his lifelong struggle with depression, and combating the stereotype that Black men shouldn’t talk about their feelings. Karen seemed a little shaken by the revelation, and revealed her feelings about it as well.
Married at First Sight is a show in which couples are paired up with prospective spouses, like many matchmaking shows. However, the twist for MAFS is that the couple meets for the first time as the bride walks down the aisle. Over the years, several couples have emerged from the show as steadfast marriages, most notably Jamie and Doug, who are still happily married and growing a family 5 years after being one of the first couples to appear on the show.
A Big NoNo In Season 11 Of Married At First Sight…
For season 11, on the show produced by Kinetic Content, MAFS couples from New Orleans includemed student Amelia and artistic director Bennett; IT worker Brett and nurse Olivia; recruiter Henry and flight attendant Christina, teacher/coach Woody and non-profit organizer Amani, along with the two everyone keeps talking about, Miles and Karen.
Miles and Karen became a show first this season when someone texted Karen’s bridesmaid Miles’ identity before the wedding, which is a big show no-no. While Karen and Miles weren’t personally acquainted, Karen was able to identify Miles quickly through his social media presence and the already-apprehensive bride almost got cold feet when she discovered Miles was, “not her type.”
But Karen went ahead with the wedding anyway, and married her eager 26 year old husband-to-be. Once Karen saw her soon-to-be husband waiting for her, the 30 year old consultant felt like she had made the right call, and despite the awkwardness of a wedding night to a total stranger, Karen looks back on the night fondly.
Karen came around to her new husband
In an interview with Bossip where Karen was asked what her favorite memory of the night was, Karen responded, “I wish the cameras would have captured my favorite memories previously mentioned from the reception- so much wasn’t aired! There was also a moment shortly before I walked down the aisle that a gift box was given to me from Miles. There was a letter, a guided playlist for our big day and a few thoughtful items in the box. I was overwhelmed with so many good and comforting emotions in that moment. And it was so much fun to read the playlist– a lot of the songs on his wedding day playlist were also on mine. I still have the box and the letter. We had such a great time at our wedding and were very comfortable with one another from the beginning.”
Miles Gets Deep And Personal
However, a clip from the latest episode of MAFS suggests trouble in paradise. Education worker Miles tells Karen that he has something to tell her, and you can tell by his demeanor that he’s sitting on something big. Karen apprehensively prods him for information, cracking a joke asking if he has four children she’s unaware of. Miles, however, is opening up about something deeply personal. The 26-year-old says in the clip that he feels comfortable enough around Karen to open up about something he has been holding close to his chest.
Miles first jokes that he in fact has 700 kids, but then switches back to a more serious tone and admits that he was diagnosed with clinical depression a few years ago. Karen appears stunned, and responds, “okay.”
Does It Bring Miles & Karen Closer Or Drive A Wedge?
Miles then goes on to explain how depression has affected him. Karen doesn’t seem thrilled about the revelation, saying it triggered, “red flags,” for her. The 30-year old goes on to say in a voice-over confessional that she wanted a very, “masculine male,” and she wonders how strong their marriage will be, or if she can handle supporting him through depression. In the real-time conversation, Miles mentions the stereotype about Black men being unable to express emotions right on the heels of Karen’s concerned comment about, “masculine men.”
Depression, of course, has nothing to do with masculinity. The National Institute for Mental Health defines depression as, “a common but serious mood disorder. It causes severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working.” It affects people of all ages, races, sex, and gender identity, and it doesn’t discriminate based on gender expression. Men have long battled a mental health stigma that suggests depression is a weakness, or that it’s a disease reserved for women, and Karen’s reaction is concerning, to say the least.
However, Miles and Karen seem to have a strong foundation for their relationship. With some luck, time spent with Miles learning about his depression, and hopefully some research on Karen’s part, it’s possible that the 30-year-old will be able to overcome her preconceived notions. Living with a depressed spouse isn’t always easy, but it certainly doesn’t make Miles any less of a man and hopefully Karen will grow to see and appreciate that fact.