Let me tell you something real about Taraji P. Henson. Sure, she's known for playing some of the toughest, most fearless characters on screen, but in real life, she's not afraid to be vulnerable and talk about her mental health challenges. That's something we can all respect, right?
She's Facing Depression and Anxiety, But She's Not Doing It Alone
At 48 years old, Taraji opened up to Variety about her battles with depression and anxiety. "I suffer from depression," she said, her voice steady and honest. "And my anxiety? It's getting worse every day. This is something new for me, something I've never really dealt with before." Now, that takes courage. But she didn't stop there. Taraji revealed that she's been seeing a therapist regularly, and it's making all the difference. "That's the only way I can get through it," she admitted. "You can talk to your friends, sure, but you need a professional who can give you tools, exercises to help you manage."
Taraji went on to explain how crucial it is to have that professional support. "When you're feeling like you're on the edge, you need something to pull you back. A therapist can give you those words, those tools to help you through your weakest moments. They're professionals—they study the human mind. And the best part? They don't have any personal stakes in your life. They're there to help you, no matter what."
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Why Therapy is So Important for Her
She elaborated on her therapy journey, saying, "Their job is to ensure you're mentally sound, whatever that means for you. And sometimes, the truth they tell might hurt. Friends might not want to hurt your feelings, but if I'm going to grow and change for the better, I need honesty. Brutal honesty. Friends and family might not always have the strength to be that honest with you." That's a powerful statement, and it shows how much she values her mental well-being.
How Fame Affects Her Mental Health
As an Oscar-nominated star, Taraji knows the pressures of fame all too well. "It really takes a toll on me," she confessed. "I have to be mindful of everything. Every single move I make, every word that comes out of my mouth. I have to go over it, double-check it. That's not living. That's not just being. Living is being in the moment, saying what you feel, and embracing it. But I can't do that anymore. There was a time when I could, but now it's different. It's depressing. I feel myself changing, and I don't want to. It's making me harder, more guarded. It's even making me a little agoraphobic. I never used to feel this way, but now I get anxious sometimes when I just want to step outside. I can't do it alone. Someone has to go with me."
