Taye Diggs: Tackling Medication Stigma

About Taye Diggs

• He's performed on Broadway, TV, and in movies.
• Notable roles include "Rent," "Private Practice," "How Stella Got Her Groove Back," and "The Best Man."
• Taye currently stars in The CW's "All American" and hosts a reality dating show called "Back in the Groove."
• He's also the author of several children's books addressing tough topics like teasing, racial injustice, and separated families.

Key Points from the Interview

• Taye publicly shared his insomnia challenges and medication use to inspire others to seek help sooner.
• He emphasizes the value of a good night's sleep, equating it to the importance of eating and drinking.
• Insomnia carries a stigma, but Taye wants to change the perception and encourage open conversations about sleep problems.
• Taye waited 13 years before seeing a doctor for his insomnia, highlighting the importance of seeking help early for both physical and mental health issues.
• His anxiety contributed to his insomnia, and he initially tried to convince himself he didn't have a problem.
• Taye's life transformed after starting treatment, and he encourages others to seek help if they're struggling.
• He acknowledges the discomfort associated with asking for help but insists that it's usually the toughest first step.
• Taye decided to take medication for his insomnia, recognizing that it's an individual choice and the best treatment may vary.
• He challenges the stigma surrounding medication, emphasizing that asking for help and finding the right treatment is a sign of strength.

Mental Health and Mental Strength Insights

• Acknowledging problems and seeking help takes mental strength.
• Asking for help can be challenging, but it's often the most critical step.
• Ultimately, individuals are the experts on the treatment they want to explore.

Quotes from Taye Diggs

• "People don't realize how important a good night's sleep is. It's just as important, if not more, as eating and drinking."
• "There's a stigma that goes along with the word [insomnia]. And, I always thought that those people were weird or were walking around like zombies, that they never slept ever throughout the night. And it was what I was suffering from—just not being able to allow [my] body to do what it does naturally."
• "All of the dynamics around me were the same, but the way I viewed them and the way I [could] attack life was different. And that's just cool."

Wrapping Up

• Taye Diggs encourages everyone to seek help if they're struggling with a mental health issue, emphasizing the importance of addressing it like any other health condition.
• He stresses that it's okay to try different treatments until you find one that works for you.
• Taye reminds us that asking for help is a sign of strength and allows us to live more fulfilling lives.