M
ental health issues can affect people from all walks of life. In recent years, several Black celebrities have courageously spoken out about their mental health struggles. By raising awareness and bringing these formerly taboo topics into the spotlight, these public figures normalize conversations and break down stigmas surrounding mental illness in the Black community. Here, we highlight seven of the most inspiring Black voices who have put up a formidable fight in tackling various stereotypes associated with mental health.
Check out 7 inspiring Black celebrities who are pushing the mental health conversation forward…
#1. Naomi Osaka starts a movement for athletes’ wellbeing
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At the height of her tennis career, Naomi Osaka made the courageous decision to withdraw from the French Open, citing her ongoing struggles with depression and anxiety, which were exacerbated by media appearances required of tournament participants. Her choice sparked an international discussion about the intense pressure faced by elite athletes and the toll it can have on their mental health. Osaka’s openness about her experiences encouraged other athletes to advocate for more wellness resources and brought awareness about athletes’ mental health to new audiences.
#2. Taraji P. Henson opens minds and doors to treatment
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Acclaimed actress Taraji P. Henson has been instrumental in raising awareness about mental health issues prevalent in African American communities. She revealed her secret battles with anxiety and depression and founded the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, named after her late father who also struggled with his mental health. Her organization works to eradicate stigma around treatment in Black families and provides scholarships and free therapy sessions. By openly discussing her challenges, Henson is building understanding and helping others access life-changing care.
#3. Beyoncé shows perfection isn’t immune to problems
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Even the rich and famous face mental health issues. Iconic singer Beyoncé shared intimate details about coping with anxiety, vulnerability, and loneliness after birthing her twins. Breaking her elite celebrity aura, her honesty helped demonstrate that no amount of wealth or adoration makes someone impervious to the inner adversity many people face in isolation. For all her glory, Beyoncé’s openness about imperfect realities behind closed doors advances everyday understanding of mental struggles. It might be weird that the icon even falls into the conversations about Black celebrities and mental health because we assume her life is perfect. But her openness shows otherwise, underscoring the real human experiences shared among us all.
#4. Janet Jackson models self-care first
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Iconic entertainer, Janet Jackson has been upfront about her struggles with depression and anxiety, which stemmed from various life stresses. However, rather than view her mental health as a weakness, Jackson frames her emotional well-being as a priority and models healthy self-care habits to mitigate her challenges. By being transparent and putting her needs first, Jackson exemplifies how to acknowledge mental health issues while also caring for oneself with compassion.
#5. Alicia Keys calls for mental health reform
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Singer Alicia Keys co-founded a non-profit supporting community mental health after seeing her mother face barriers related to adequate care for schizophrenia. Through advocacy and raising funds, Keys aims to fuel essential policy and legislative reform around mental health services. By leveraging her powerful celebrity voice to inspire political action beyond stigma reduction, Keys shows how broken mental healthcare systems remain in this country, even for the insured and privileged.
#6. Jada Pinkett Smith creates community conversations
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When black celebrities who are champions of mental health are mentioned, Jada Pinkett-Smith boldly takes the forefront. She brought intimate conversations about mental health struggles into the living rooms of millions. Pinkett-Smith openly discusses her battles with anxiety, addiction, and depression on her popular Red Table Talk show. By featuring candid testimonies from other Black voices, she provides a platform to make personal revelations without judgment or myth, helping normalize broader discussions about private mental health challenges facing everyday community members.
#7. Simone Biles redefines the meaning of strength
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The greatest gymnast of all time, Simone Biles, catalyzed increased compassion around mental strain when she withdrew from the 2021 Summer Olympics citing her need to focus on her mental health. On the world’s largest athletic stage, Biles redefined what it means to demonstrate true strength in the face of intense pressure. Her courage to say “enough” underscored that mental well-being sometimes requires difficult priorities over achievement — even when expecting gold.
Featured image: Erik Carter via @aliciakeys/Instagram
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