Stigma or strength? Taraji P. Henson breaks down burden of being ‘Strong Black Woman’

Actress Taraji P. Henson is doing her part to change the way African Americans view mental health with her new Facebook talk show, “Peace of Mind.”

On the 2^nd episode, Henson sat down with singer and reality star Tamar Braxton to discuss her battle with depression, attempted suicide, and what it means to be a “strong black woman.”

“When were we charged to be the backbone of everything and everybody?” asked Henson while discussing her experiences attending Howard University and hearing the phrase ‘Strong Black Woman’ for the first time. “I remember hearing that phrase… and at the time it meant so much, it gave me such a sense of pride being at the bottom of the totem pole. It was almost like an armor.”

Henson said as she became a mother and entered the workforce, the phrase took on a much darker meaning for her.

“As time goes on and you become a young mother and you enter the work world that term begins to become a stigma,” she shared.

During the sit-down, Braxton revealed that the pressures of portraying a strong woman who had it all together took its toll on her and led to her suicide attempt. She also shared that her misguided action was an attempt to protect her son.

“I felt like I was embarrassing him, being a fool on TV. I didn’t want him to be embarrassed in front of his friends,” Braxton sobbed, muttering the words “his loudmouth ghetto momma.”

As the two women hugged it out, they begAn to discuss the stigma of being a strong black woman and how they have found it to be a gateway to mental health issues.

Statistics show that 66% of African Americans see mental health issues as a sign of weakness. The belief that “I am strong, independent and can overcome any obstacle” becomes a mask to hide behind.

“On the outside, I looked like I had it all together, but on the inside I was broken,” said Braxton, to which Henson responded that she shared the same experience.

“I see you, okay. You’ve had to be so strong and that’s why you fight! I see you Tamar, I see you. You fighting against everybody,” said Henson. “But you are not alone. I see so much of myself in you.”

Henson went on to express the pressures that she experienced, and how therapy has helped her become more in tune with her inner feelings.

Mental health issues affect one in five women in the United States, and only 9% of African Americans will receive mental health services, compared to 18.6 % of White Americans.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicide or depression, please contact your local crisis helpline.