Taraji P. Henson Recalls Spiritual Journey In Bali That Led To Sobriety

The extraordinary Taraji P. Henson, who founded the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation for mental health causes, recounts a much-needed break she took in Bali for her mental well-being.

Such an experience made the Howard University alum feel like herself again, prompting her to detail the "spiritual journey" and reveal that it influenced her decision to do away with intoxicating substances.

As a mental health advocate, the "Date Night" actress always ensures to speak out on mental health whenever possible, which she recently did amid her return to the screens.

Given her experience with anxiety and her association with loved ones who suffer from mental illnesses, she believes "people should not suffer in silence."

So, Henson handled her anxiety and depression issues by taking a "life-changing trip to Bali," which she told Extra TV about in detail. "I thought I had it all, you know, covered when I started the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation," she shared. "And I started being very vocal about it. And then I got up one day and still didn't feel whole."

She added that it was always a struggle, but she was there to fight, making her decide she needed a break. The "Empire" actress took her holiday in Bali alone, calling it a "very spiritual journey" where she did nothing but "eat, pray, and love."

She also cared for her mental wellness amid the journey and was proud to sit for the interview, feeling like herself again. Thanks to the trip, Henson learned how to breathe. She elaborated, "Breathing is the best. I didn't understand fully breathing until I went away to Bali because it's a very spiritual place, and I did a lot of meditating."

"I'm talking about intentional breathing," she added, "where you stop, slow your thoughts down, and breathe with intent. It's the best drug ever." In addition to her breathing lessons, the 52-year-old was able to quit alcohol and weed, which she used to take because of her anxiety.

She divulged, "My anxiety was getting the best of me, so I would use weed or alcohol to help me feel loose or happy. It got to the point where none of that was working." To make a difference in society, Henson's mental health foundation partnered with Kate Spade New York to launch She Care Wellness Pods.

The new program aims "to reach more than 25,000 Black women on HBCU campuses with frontline mental health care," considering the Oscar winner's experience as a struggling young mother in college. 

Two years ago, The Blast reported that Henson admitted to contemplating suicide during the COVID-19 lockdown as she was distressed about staying home without any acting gig. She opened up on her Facebook Watch show "Peace of Mind with Taraji," where she discussed the effects of the lockdown with co-host Tracie Jade and a mental health expert.

The "Hustle & Flow" actress said it was difficult for her to get out of bed in the morning to do anything, and it worsened as she was "having thoughts about ending it." She knew she could take her life in a blink with a gun she had newly purchased at the time, but thankfully, she did not after eventually speaking to a girlfriend who made her feel much better.

For fans of the beloved actress, it is no surprise that she chose Bali as a place of serenity. Last June, Henson opened up about considering living in another country as she was tired of fighting for the United States that mistreated Black people. 

She made the statement ahead of her hosting duty at the 2022 BET Awards, "I'm considering getting out of here, leaving and living in another country. That's something that comes with 50; you get tired of fighting. I'm tired."

The "Boston Legal" actress confessed that she was done with the "pressures of being Black" and did not want to have to do another hashtag on police brutality against African Americans.

While she was not particular about the country she would migrate to, she wanted to go where there was "neutral ground."

"I want just to be," Henson declared. "And be happy. I want to be called 'Bella' daily, drink wine, and swat flies on the porch. Stress-free."