This is such a unfortunate story!! As I discussed on Ev’ryday Black Radio when we first discussed the story on Saturday, mental illness in the Black community is real.  Being a Social Worker myself and working in social services for over 9 years, I have seen first hand the stigma that is associated with anything involving therapy, counseling, “seeking professional help” etc.  Many in our community feel that people will be judgmental or disassociate with them if they are diagnosed with a disorder, which causes people who may be ill to deteriorate.  This may be case in point, where Josh Marks had been decompensating for awhile, and broke when doctors officially diagnosed him.

Via TMZ reports:

“Masterchef” star Josh Marks was diagnosed with Schizophrenia 24 before committing suicide … so says his mother, who claims the thought of dealing with more mental issues put him over the edge.

Marks’ mom Paulette Mitchell is saying the reality star completed an out-patient treatment program Thursday — where he was diagnosed with schizophrenia … according to a family rep.

Mitchell first told the Chicago Tribune the chef had finally come to terms with his bi-polar disorder … but “couldn’t bear the thought of another diagnosis.”

Paulette claims Marks was upset about the doctors assessment … so she spent the night with him and left the next afternoon to pick her daughter up from school.

A few hours later … she received a phone call from a family member saying people had called saying Josh was walking through a nearby alley clutching a gun.

Mitchell says she rushed over to the alleyway to find him — but instead discovered her son dead from a gunshot wound … with a revolver at his side.

His mother also admits … some of the Marks’ delusions centered around Gordon Ramsay, and that’s why he told cops back in July that the chef had possessed his body when he got arrested.

The family is hoping to start a foundation in his honor to help mental illness awareness.