On Oct. 10, 2024, in honor of #WorldMentalHealthDay, award-winning actress and mental health advocate Taraji P. Henson took to Instagram to share personal insights about her mental health journey.
In the short video, she highlighted the significance of breaking the stigma within the Black community about mental health.
In a candid video shared on both her Instagram and Glamour Magazine’s page, Henson reflected on her path to healing and the importance of mental health care.
Henson, who founded the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation to address mental health disparities in the Black community, spoke openly about her struggles with anxiety and panic attacks.
“I didn’t realize that I was depressed because I just learned to be strong,” she shared, adding, “Buildings are built to be strong, not humans.”
In the video, Henson revealed that her awareness of mental health issues, particularly bipolar disorder, began after her father’s passing, which led to her founding the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation.
She spoke passionately about the urgent need for culturally competent mental health professionals, noting the underrepresentation of Black therapists, and shared how prioritizing her well-being has empowered her to say no and focus on self-care.
Through her foundation and advocacy, Henson continues to inspire and push for greater access to mental health resources, particularly in underserved communities.
