Photo: Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation
Taraji P. Henson’s ability to recognize hermental health struggleshas only made her stronger.
The Oscar-nominated actress has been vocal aboutexperiencing hardships in the past, even contemplating taking her own life. Now, she’s been able to get better — and has a continued willingness tofight for herself.
Henson adds: “I fight for my mental health because I want to live. I’m choosing to want to live. I want to live.”
And with that desire to fight, Henson has come to recognize the many things that have benefitted her mental health — and what has ultimately kept her going.
“Being real with myself and not being so damn strong all the time,” she shares. “Folding my arms like a kid in the corner saying, ‘I don’t want to be strong today. I need help.’ ‘I don’t feel good.’ ‘No, I’m not going to do this job. I don’t feel good today.’ Speaking up for myself. And my mental wellness.”
Though Henson has found many ways to get through her mental health struggles, she wants to help others to do the same.
Henson’sBoris Lawrence Henson Foundationis an organization that aims to break down the stigma surrounding mental health in the Black community. Currently, they’re teaming up withKate Spade New Yorkfor its newly-launched She Care Wellness Pods.
The program is aiming to reach more than 25,000 Black women on the campuses of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), providing them with frontline mental health care like free therapy sessions and yoga classes in the wellness pods.
“We chose Kate Spade as our first partner for the She Care Wellness Pod because of their deep commitment to helping women live their fullest lives. And they recognize a vital role that mental health plays in that,” Henson explains.
Taraji P. Henson Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation’s mental health pods.Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation
Also speaking highly of the partnership is Kate Spade New York CEO and Brand President Liz Fraser.
Taraji P. Henson Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation mental health pods.Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation
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“Over the past 10 years, we have seen firsthand how interconnected a woman’s positive mental health is to her empowerment, and as we kick off our 30th anniversary this year, we’re doubling down on our commitment to reach more women and girls with direct access to resources and support,” she adds. “Through our partnership, we’ll work with the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation to provide accessible resources to over 25,000 young women across HBCU campuses through the She Care program and make a tangible difference in their everyday lives.”
source: people.com
