My Great Grandma used to say that she talks to herself because she likes to talk to intelligent people. I'll never forget that.

Anxiety is no joke .... it’s like u can’t breathe. I’m tired of being strong. Even when I’m sleeping I can wake up having anxiety attacks! I’m 31 and realized I had it at 20

“When I go dark, I go DARK”🥺

“We can talk about a thyroid, cancer, breast cancer, aids even, but we won’t deal with the mental and that’s an issue “ this dialogue definitely has to change, she’s absolutely right 💯 #TruthIsTruth

I talk to myself as well. Not everyone wants to hear your problems and sometimes if you look within yourself you will find the answers.

Pay attention she said 400 years. It’s deeper.

Psilocybin saved my life. I was addicted to heroin for 15 years and after Psilocybin treatment I will be 3 years clean in September. I have zero cravings. This is something that truly needs to be more broadly used in addiction treatment.

“Sometimes I don’t wanna be strong. Sometimes the weight is just too much”. I literally felt that. Taraji explained how I’ve felt for as long as I can remember.

Tell yourself “I give myself permission to be human.”

Less than two minutes in and I am tearing up. She described depression and anxiety perfectly, the things I feel. Nobody could really understand mental disorders unless they’ve had em.

This literally just helped me to the point I want to cry in this barbershop

Culturally competent therapist. This is what our community needs.

I’ve never heard someone explain how I feel everyday so perfectly

“Perfection is a perfect lie...” 🙌🏾

The fact that I cried the entire time listening to her. I now know I’m not alone. OMG!!

Omg she is literally describing how I’ve been feeling these last 4-5 years.😭😩. The Latino and Black Latino community do not deal with mental health either.

Talking about culturally competent therapists is so important.

This is why, as a Black woman, I’ve decided to become a counselor. We are misrepresented in the field and I think it’s important for Black people to receive counseling and to have an opportunity to see someone like themselves when they seek guidance. I pray that I can become a competent counselor to help all people, especially my own.

I’m 43 yrs. Old and have been battling Depression since I was 20 yrs. Old. I’ve been through several therapist none of African American Decent. Listening to podcasts on Mental Health and Reading Books has enlightened me on how far back my Depression goes. It’s a Lonely Dark and Dangerous Illness, It’s still a struggle for me day to day. I know it’s a Problem that Us as African Americans can find hard to face and Acknowledge

She was already my favorite. But this just shows why she’s the best, authentic.

Wow when she said “sometimes I don’t wanna be strong sometimes the weight is just to much” that hit different🙏🏾

Using the celebrity platform to bring awareness to Mental Health issues in the Black communities is vital!

I often come back to this video when my anxiety takes over. It helps me calm down after an episode. It also lets the viewer know that they aren't alone.

I think you are really strong when you can admit you're not strong.

I love how she uses her hands and closes her eyes. She is being all the way authentic. Sending love and light to anyone needing it!

Depression is no joke. Anxiety will have you thinking you’re having a heart attack. Looking and listening to her, it’s like looking and listening to myself. I love her strength. This is the complete truth. Thank you big sister!!!

This has been something I've dealt every day since I was 15 and I'm 29. Some days I just don't want to move, I don't want to live, I don't want to do anything, it hurts to wake up. Journaling helps, prayer helps.

Every time i talk about my anxiety. Im crazy. So I just stay to myself. Deal with my own problems. I don't wish to rub my vibe off on anyone

It takes a strong woman to know when she needs help, and, then, to get help.

This is a strong black woman. Even with her vulnerabilities, scars, and imperfections, she is strong because she realizes that’s what makes us human.

I’m dealing with a monster on the inside fighting to get out right now as I speak....God deliver!!!!’

My daughter has caught me talking to myself and I explained to her why I do it, so when she hears me she says “ you’re upset again?!” And we both laugh it helps to be understood!!! 😁😁😁

Culturally competent and Culturally humble therapists is what's needed.

I’m so tired of being ‘strong’. I’m not strong. I’m a human being. And I’m tired

It is the same with the Latinx community. My depression and anxiety were not ok. We have to tough it up. Keep going and don't complain. It's ok to let our guard down and not be strong all the time. I don't say this often about celebrities but I love her.

" Perfection is the perfect lie "

Everyone that can relate 👇 We'll GET through this. 🙏

I isolated myself because nobody understood me even when I try to put on a happy face it's still hard because I'm suffering inside. A lot of times I feel like giving up it's just that bad especially for males we're supposed to be "strong" but most people forget we're still human at the end of the day

I think Taraji is so brave to open up about her mental health struggles. There is still stigma around mental illness. She’s right about us, people of colour denying that there is a problem. And to constantly be told to “be strong” gets wearisome and heavy. We do need more dialogue in our communities. And not just that, we need to have self, compassion. And genuine care and concern for one another. A lot of us are suffering in silence. We are all just human. There is no such thing as being perfect. Once we realise that it is so freeing. I really admire Taraji. I hope she never gives in to those dark thoughts. Thank you Taraji you are such an inspiration. May the benevolent ones bless you and your family.

I'm reaching a stage where I'm letting go of this. I'm beginning to realise that as difficult as it may be, breathing and being alive is enough motivation that I need to slowly start appreciating me being here. I have suffered for 20 years. It's time to realise that breathe in my lungs and being alive today is enough to have a chance at being happy in life. I shouldn't be here but I am. One day at a time but I have decided, I'm going to live!

Everything she described, I experienced mentally. I didn't even recognise how depressed I was.

That’s me up and down , I don’t want to be around people... then I want to be alone ..

This is how I feel everyday. I suffer in silence and put on a brave face

Try living w depression and anxiety and living in poverty...

I am a Black Woman dealing with depression and anxiety as well. Taraji is telling the TRUTH about the societal affects on us (racism, sexism, lower pay and unemployment) but we're not supposed to be traumatized.

To me talking to yourself out loud is expressing your inner thoughts.

I got soooo tickled when she said she have full blown conversations with herself, 'til the point where she finds yourself doing it in public!!!! That is so me! I am so glad 2 wear mask in public, sometimes, bc I can converse with myself without being noticed!!!

I experienced the same,being depressed and my family not believing that there is depression and anxiety,regardless of race. It is really sad

When she said “I talk to my self... I need to stop doing it in public” I felt thattt

I know this is off topic but her hair, her skin, just her being her is 😍😍😍

Everything she said is reliable to myself. Everyday is a struggle.

I’ve always admired her for her perfect acting skills and beauty, she is so amazing 🥺❤️

“perfection is the perfect lie” ....! i like that

Love she's shedding light on this subject. When she said "How dare you?!" Ooh child, I felt that! Side note, that hair is EVERYTHING! yasss sis

I'm going through the same thing right now, I don't want to deal with leaving the house most days. The anxiety, the depression etc... Its exhausting. I'm glad she's sharing her story, it definitely helps people.

Strip down everything Taraji is saying... and she is actually talking about one thing.... REPRESSED ANGER... the product of repressed anger is depression and anxiety.... in order to effectively eliminate depression and anxiety... you have to get to the ROOT cause of the anger... notice all the things she talked about that could make anybody angry... kids whose father left them, women who don't get paid as much as men, having a mental condition and people make you feel ostracized for it or tell you to just get over it... then there are the mental vestiges of slavery, the constant exposure to subtle racism, Black kids being murdered, Black kids being witness to those murders, Black kids having to constantly view the street memorials to those murders, substandard education, excessive incarceration, difficulty finding employment, constant exposure to crime and violence.... Black children and adults have to negotiate these fields of trauma daily... and NOBODY ever stops to think... these people may need counseling... a white kid dies in a car accident and every white kid and parent who knew that kid is offered counseling... a Black kid gets gunned down... but NOBODY ever stops to think the kids and parents who knew that kid may need counseling... NOBODY ever stops to think about what impact viewing that kid's street memorial constantly... will have on other children mentally and emotionally.... this is why it is highly critical, as Taraji said, to have mental health professionals who are culturally competent.

"Sometimes I don't want to be strong" This really hit me..

I'm literally crying. Thanks to her. She's being so real.

Even though it has been almost two years since this first aired, I as an African-American woman veteran in my late 40's truly appreciate Taraji P's courage and candor. You are truly a blessing sis. I too have had to make peace with my own mental health struggles. It is alot, but I AM glad that I live in a time when the Black Community is becoming more open about this taboo topic. Thank you Miss Henson.

Remember watching this 3+ years ago when i first started having panic attacks at 18 I started getting help through counseling, eating healthy, exercising, therapy and they sorta helped but my symptoms didn’t get better until I started taking medicine and that was the best decision i’m 22 now and I’m definitely getting better.

Omg I’m so glad she is talking about this topic 😭

I have dealt with depression/anxiety since I lost my parents and I thank her for speaking up on this because most people don't understand the struggle people like me go through on a daily basis

I deal with anxiety n depression literally crying.

My eyes filled with tears listening to her. This is so me and I’m trying to fight it and find a solution. I’ve been dealing with this for years now and it hasn’t gotten any easier for me. Many days I think ending my life would be the solution but at the end of the day I think that’s selfish of me. I can’t do that to anyone I love or that loves me. I hate going through these episodes but I’m fighting to make it out. She said this so spot on. 💯😇

I burned my cape along time ago and I continued to see my therapist. It’s a wonderful feeling, thankful I continue to get the help for my depression. Going to therapy is apart of my health and wellness.

It's great that she is talking about this because church can't fix everything.

When I heard Taraji say she have conversations with herself, I saw myself in her. I'm in my early 60's and I to suffer with anxiety all my life and racy thoughts. It's difficult to stay focus so I have to talk myself through most tasks to get things done. When ever I feel a panic attack coming on, I have to stop it immediately, because if I allow it to progress it makes it worst.

Ive had it my whole life. Im 45. Along with agoraphobia and panic attacks. Hard to live a relaxed life.

Blessings to her for showing who she is. A real woman.

I can relate to all. Of. This. Kudos to those of you that recognized it, and are getting help. ☀️ I didn’t realize what I was dealing with my whole life until faced with divorce and the deaths of my father and mother all within months of each (during Covid). ☀️ I literally had a nervous breakdown. Not the melodramatic Hollywood type breakdown, but one that resulted in anxiety disorder and severe agoraphobia for months. I lost almost 30 pounds in 2 months. Went to the ER more times than I can count on both hands within 3 months. Everyday I thought I was dying or going crazy. ☀️ With acceptance, therapy, changes in diet, mindfulness, etc. I’m healing and doing a lot better. Please y’all...get help now! ☀️

Me currently!!! Thank you Taraji for speaking on this. As a 40 year old Black Man... I'm in a manifestation in my life. I refuse to be a victim anymore. God Bless You.

“I got back above water when I stopped suffocating myself”

I'm so proud of her for speaking up about this issue, and that she's using her platform to bring awareness and change to this issue in our community. She sounds very passionate and genuine and I believe her message will reach many people and have a great impact.

Meditation and yoga is something that when done through time, changes the pace of your thoughts..sometimes it silences.. Can't say it's for everyone because I'm not everyone I just know that long term users learn how to ease their mind through these practices. It's not a miracle it's a lifestyle u chose for long term change. Like eating a healthy diet..eventually it's not difficult and the negative pull has less wins..u train urself..to strengthen your mind..to teach your heart to beat slower..to heal pain and or trauma.. Hope this reaches someone that needs it!!!!!!! life is an eternal battle.. But we can win!!

Taraji: God Bless you! I also struggle with Depression and Anxiety. So did my mother, and my children. And my siblings, but they aren't woke, yet. I tried getting help for my family on multiple occasions, and my baby brother tried to get help for the family too. I am currently a client with a behavioral health organization in Arizona. But I'm also stuck in poverty and the organization has been a big part of preventing my progress. That being said, I believe I'm back on the road to progress. I've moved my mental health services back to the city of Tempe, where I was when I made my first breakthrough and was finally able to open up to someone, and the healing began. And I began to reclaim my identity, and get to know myself, who I am, and where I stand. And even what I stand for.

I love her hair this look is nice on her

I’m so depressed right now, it’s good to hear this

This why I love T.P.H! Taking care of my grandmother has only worsened my depression and anxiety. And living below poverty, there is no therapist but God and yourself....smh And I already talk to myself...lol MUCH LOVE TO T.P.H!!

As a PWI student, I can definitely relate. It’s draining being around these people everyday with their micro aggressions. I had to learn how to move on my own terms.

“Let it run like a faucet.” That’s a great way to think about it!

Taraji I felt this baby. And is the reason I stayed off social media for a year. It helps. Stay strong Queen.

That's all I hear after losing both my parents. I can not be strong. I've lost people I love.

I love her for acknowledging this. Our people ignore this.

For some reason “you better check your mental” really hit me

I deal with depression but I know the GOD I serve is bigger then depression so now whenever I feel depression I just started telling the devil his a liar GOD already give me the power and the peace I need so I will not let depression take me out . And I pray for everyone that’s dealing with depression find peace in life and know there are not alone and there is help and they can come out also . Just keep the faith and know everything going be ok

Most times, I just want to go unnoticed... Always indoors...

You’ve encouraged me to get therapy again, bless you🙏🏼

"Culturally Competent Therapist" Whew, I never knew how much I was missing this conversation until it happened.Thank you Taraji.

I think people misunderstand "strong". "Strong" doesn't mean not having emotions and feelings, not having low points, not being vulnerable. "Strong" means persevering despite of the issues. "Strong" means standing back up after you have fallen...and the fall doesn't have to only be a short one. It's still "strength" if you were down for years before you got back up. By my definition, she is strong because of what she has gone through and what she is doing about it and accomplishing.

Beauty, intelligence, mixed with life's given wisdom is infectious!!!!

I had an abusive life that my childhood seems to not have existed. Honestly despite the negatives decisions I make with alcoholism I’m proud of myself for moving forward. If I don’t make it out I KNOW that I’ve tried everything. The only fix is to spend your life living, not suffering. Go watch the world be part of it, be okay with not being part of the world. I just turned 28 and finally feel a sense of freedom. Therapy helped but it’s not the cure.

Definitely true.. and it’s sad that we don’t talk about it in the black community

I feel better knowing, I’m not the only one.

I struggle with depression and anxiety as well. Thank you for describing this VERY well!! I talk to myself too, which started when I had to struggle with constant bullying that has TRAUMATIZED me.

😩In every situation God is in control we just need to believe and keep going.

Yes depression is no joke and I feel no one understands what I'm going through thanks for sharing

This is what being “Real” looks like, someone like Taraji with such a huge and impactful platform allowing herself to be vulnerable. Having such feeling and emotions for many years and fighting/ denying them even in myself and being ashamed was is stressful enough. But hearing her advocate- wow much respect ✊🏾

I been dealing with this since 14, I'm now 42.....it interrupts every aspect of my life!!!! But I'm still working on me!!!

This is exactly how I feel she described it perfectly

It's so exhausting and toxic to pretend you're ok when you're dying inside..