Taraji P. Henson on Living with Depression and Anxiety | Body Stories | SELF

SELF2 minutes read

Mental health issues are often overlooked in the African-American community due to stigma and a history of trauma, leading to self-medication and lack of support. Seeking culturally competent therapists and breaking the myth of perfection are crucial steps in addressing these issues, as emphasized by initiatives like the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation founded by Taraji P. Henson.

Insights

  • Mental health issues like depression and anxiety are often overlooked in the African-American community due to stigma and a pressure to appear strong, leading to self-medication and a lack of support.
  • Actress Taraji P. Henson's foundation, aiming to provide mental health support to children in schools, highlights the importance of breaking the silence and stigma around mental health struggles within the community.

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Recent questions

  • How are mental health issues viewed in the African-American community?

    Mental health issues like depression and anxiety are often overlooked in the African-American community due to stigma and pressure to appear strong.

  • Why is seeking culturally competent therapists important in the African-American community?

    Seeking culturally competent therapists is crucial in the African-American community to ensure individuals receive appropriate mental health support that aligns with their cultural background and experiences.

  • What is the impact of the lack of open discussion about mental health in the African-American community?

    The lack of open discussion about mental health in the African-American community makes it challenging for individuals to find appropriate help and support, leading to self-medication and a perpetuation of stigma.

  • Who founded the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation and what is its purpose?

    Actress Taraji P. Henson founded the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation to provide mental health support to children in schools in order to break the cycle of silence and stigma surrounding mental health in the African-American community.

  • What are essential steps in addressing mental health issues in the African-American community?

    Speaking openly about mental health struggles, seeking help from culturally competent therapists, and dispelling the myth of perfection are essential steps in addressing mental health issues in the African-American community.

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Summary

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Breaking Silence: Mental Health in African-Americans

  • Mental health issues like depression and anxiety are often overlooked in the African-American community, leading to self-medication and a lack of support.
  • The stigma surrounding mental health in the community stems from a history of trauma and a pressure to always appear strong, which can be damaging.
  • Seeking culturally competent therapists is crucial, but the lack of open discussion about mental health in the community makes it challenging to find appropriate help.
  • Actress Taraji P. Henson founded the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation to provide mental health support to children in schools, aiming to break the cycle of silence and stigma.
  • Speaking openly about mental health struggles, seeking help, and breaking the myth of perfection are essential steps in addressing mental health issues in the African-American community.
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