Taraji P. Henson Opens Up About Suffering From Depression Because Of Fame

Source: blackeoejournal.com

The actress got candid about her personal struggle with mental health issues stemming from what it means to be in the spotlight. Furthermore, Taraji P. Henson used this opportunity to encourage people to seek help when they need it.

Henson, who plays Cookie Lyon on Empire, revealed that she struggles with anxiety and depression during a Variety interview.

The star admitted that fame has only made mental health problems worse for her.

Talking about being in the public eye, the actress confessed that while it was ‘fun’ at first ‘the older I get, the more private I want to be. I think there’s a misconception with people in the limelight that we have it all together, and because we have money now and are living out our dreams, everything is fine. That’s not the case. When they yell ‘Cut’ and ‘That’s a wrap,’ I go home to very serious problems.’

Mentioning that no matter her status, she is still human she added that ‘I suffer from depression. My anxiety is kicking up even more every day, and I’ve never really dealt with anxiety like that. It’s something new.’

She went on to share that she’s fortunately been getting professional help, arguing that it is the only way she can deal with her mental health problems.

‘You can talk to your friends, but you need a professional who can give you exercises. So that when you’re on the ledge, you have things to say to yourself that will get you off that ledge and past your weakest moments.’

Henson also highlighted that she wants to encourage the black community in America to be more open to getting help and paying more attention to mental health.

She believes that most of the time, talking about it is frowned upon when it obviously should not be.

The actress hopes that she can be a voice for change so that perception will one day be left behind.