Popsugar Entertainment Kendrick Sampson What Happened to Nathan on Insecure Season 3 Finale? There Was a Much Bigger Issue Hidden Behind Nathan "Ghosting" Issa on Insecure 1 October 2018 by Perri Konecky View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kendrick Sampson (@kendrick38) on Sep 3, 2018 at 8:19am PDT After disappearing for a month, Nathan returned to Los Angeles and to Issa's life in the season three finale of Insecure. Sure, him ghosting Issa brought out a side to her that many viewers can relate to, but after some light stalking and rummageing through his apartment, Issa came to terms with his actions. While there are no excuses for ghosting anyone, especially after connecting with them on a deep, emotional level, I believe there's a side to his story that deserves our attention: Nathan is struggling with depression. Nathan (played by Kendrick Sampson) reaches out to Issa on her 30th birthday, and although Molly stops him from ruining her birthday, the two eventually reconnect following the day's festivities. He explains to Issa that he was in a bad place and had to go back to his hometown of Houston to deal with these emotions. He doesn't explicitly say he's depressed, but the look in Nathan's eyes speaks volumes. He's clearly struggling to express himself, and struggling to accept his actions, but the fact that he apologises and (somewhat) explains what he's going through is huge for the conversation of mental health. The scene not only paved the way for the topic of mental health in season four, but also shows how much it can impact partners, and in this case, Issa. After witnessing Lawrence's depression previously, it makes sense why Issa didn't immediately let Nathan back into her life, but Nathan's past has yet to really be explored. He left his entire life in Houston after Hurricane Harvey, and we don't know the trauma he went through. The signs were there — his erratic behaviour fighting in the Lyft, his reluctance to open up about his past during the pool scene, and of course, the ghosting. Still, Issa calling it a "bad mood" proves how necessary this conversation is. Read on to see how viewers are reacting to Nathan's return, some defending him and some writing him off. Related: Insecure's Season 3 Soundtrack Will Make You Forget About All Those Bad Decisions In Defence of Nathan I honestly think Nathan had a depressive episode and if that’s the case im glad they’re bringing this into the show men’s mental health matters #InsecureHBO pic.twitter.com/ZxbgVgXUB4— Bri (@ItsyagirlBri_17) October 1, 2018 1 / 24 It sounds like Nathan had an episode of depression and can’t didn’t the words to explain, but Issa is singing the song that so many of us have cruned— you came into MY life! Chile.... #InsecureHBO— Ayesha K. Faines✒️ (@ayeshakfaines) October 1, 2018 2 / 24 man, i feel like Nathan's excuse is both relatable and BS #Insecure— Atinuke Adebowale (@TinuAdebowale) October 1, 2018 3 / 24 That's what happens when a person has a Mental Illness. It's very difficult even just to pick up a phone and text someone. You're in such a down state.— Sacha Bellinger (@Sachab28) October 1, 2018 4 / 24 This conversation between Issa and Nathan giving me ALL the feels. I understand both of them. #InsecureHBO— Jay ✌🏽 (@ItsJust_J) October 1, 2018 5 / 24 I think Nathan actually has depression. Can't condone a ghosting, but something about that look (and him losing a lot of weight) has me concerned. Way too familiar. #InsecureHBO— Bennett D. Bennett is at #AWNewYork (@TheAcecapade) October 1, 2018 6 / 24 Nathan is extra fine when he’s incredibly vulnerable. Damn I’m a sucker. He does seem sincere though. #InsecureHBO— Doctora West (@SymonePHarris) October 1, 2018 7 / 24 okay am i the only one that understands what nathan’s going through? 😭 #InsecureHBO #insecure— i’m a rockstar ‼️ (@narryftjas) October 1, 2018 8 / 24 Wow that last convo between Nathan and Issa was triggering af. #insecure— Covington (@theabigailjcov) October 1, 2018 9 / 24 Still thinking about Nathan from #InsecureHBO last night and recalling the number of times I have disappeared during a depressive episode, and the anxiety of trying to “show up” and explain after.— bassey ikpi (@Basseyworld) October 1, 2018 10 / 24 Did insecure just prep for season 4 to dive into a conversation about mental health issues (Nathan)? @IssaRae— Moesha (@Mo__g4l) October 1, 2018 11 / 24 I really do want to know where Nathan has been ... and why he thought showing up in person would be the ideal thing to do. #insecure #insecurehbo— Aleph (@viriyaakarunaa) October 1, 2018 12 / 24 Aww... Nathan has depression issues and didn’t know how to communicate it. That’s a problem a lot of us have. #InsecureHBO— Molly Squared (@OriginalDWoods) October 1, 2018 13 / 24 One thing Nathan’s storyline did do well today is show the impact that black men’s mental health issues can have on black women. Between him & Lawrence, Issa has dealt w/a lot from men who have depression. That impacts the partner too, not just the depressed person. #InsecureHBO— William Ketchum III (@WEKetchum) October 1, 2018 14 / 24 It’s possible Nathan does have depression, something about that sad look in his eyes😢 #InsecureHBO— AlanaJPhotography (@_AlanaJennifer) October 1, 2018 15 / 24 In Defence of Issa Idgaf what Nathan’s sob story is about to be #insecure— AlienRobotUnicorn (@PINKPwrRanger_5) October 1, 2018 16 / 24 Nathan... Whatchyu tryna say?! #insecureHBO— Yvonne Orji (@YvonneOrji) October 1, 2018 17 / 24 Nathan, you need a WAY bigger bouquet of flowers after ghosting our girl for a month! #Insecure— Richard (@alltvallshade) October 1, 2018 18 / 24 Nathan disappeared for a whole month and was expecting to come back like #insecure pic.twitter.com/C7at3mnTjc— ℒayna ꕤ (@TheGirlUAdore) October 1, 2018 19 / 24 Explain yourself, NATHAN. #InsecureHBO— INSECUREHBO (@insecurehbo) October 1, 2018 20 / 24 Nathan GHOSTING then trying to come back into Issa's life with that bs apology?!#InsecureHBO pic.twitter.com/r9WISPbTpf— Giphy Identity (@GIPHYIdentity) October 1, 2018 21 / 24 Nathan YOU GHOSTED HER FOR A MONTH! Sir you are fine but not that fine! Do better #InsecureHBO #insecuriteA #Insecure #Issa #Nathan #Sunday pic.twitter.com/tSmmjkWN8M— Stephanay Slade (@StephanaySlade) October 1, 2018 22 / 24 Nathan just popped up all casually after a month of ghosting Issa? Wtf. #Insecure #insececureHBO— AvaLucian🇱🇨 (@MsAvie758) October 1, 2018 23 / 24 View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kendrick Sampson (@kendrick38) on Sep 3, 2018 at 8:19am PDT 24 / 24 Kendrick SampsonTwitter ReactionsInsecureIssa RaeDepressionMental HealthTV