Taraji P. Henson has been open about her personal challenges, especially her struggles with mental health.
Over the years, she has shared her journey with depression and anxiety, becoming an advocate for mental health awareness, particularly in the African American community. Hensonโs willingness to speak about her mental health issues has brought significant attention to a topic that often carries stigma, especially in communities of color.
In various interviews, Henson has revealed that the pressures of her career, combined with personal losses, including the deaths of her father and the murder of her son’s father, took a toll on her mental well-being. She has spoken about feeling overwhelmed by the demands of being a public figure, stating that the world often assumes celebrities are immune to mental health struggles. However, she has experienced periods of emotional struggle that she could no longer ignore. Seeking therapy became a vital part of her healing process, and she credits it with helping her navigate these challenges.
Henson has gone beyond sharing her personal story by taking action to help others. In 2018, she founded the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, named after her late father, to provide mental health support in African American communities. The foundationโs mission is to raise awareness about mental health issues and break the stigma surrounding therapy. Through initiatives such as scholarships for African American students pursuing mental health degrees and grants to organizations offering mental health services, Henson is working to ensure more people have access to the help they need.
She also recognizes the unique challenges Black Americans face in dealing with mental health. In a 2020 interview, Henson expressed frustration with the lack of mental health resources tailored to the African American experience, particularly the trauma stemming from systemic racism. Her advocacy efforts have aimed to address this gap, helping Black communities feel more comfortable seeking therapy and professional mental health support.
Henson’s transparency about her struggles has not only helped to humanize her as a celebrity but also provided inspiration to others facing similar challenges. Her advocacy continues to make a lasting impact, creating a conversation around mental health that is more inclusive and accessible.