Anxiety & Depression Overcoming the Stigma Around Medication With Actor Taye Diggs By Amy Morin, LCSW Amy Morin, LCSW Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and international bestselling author. Her books, including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," have been translated into more than 40 languages. Her TEDx talk, "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," is one of the most viewed talks of all time. Learn about our editorial process Updated on January 23, 2023 Print Verywell / Julie Bang Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Meet Taye Diggs Why Taye Diggs Is Mentally Strong What You’ll Hear on the Show What You’ll Learn About Mental Health and Mental Strength Quotes From Taye More About the Podcast Trending Videos Close this video player On The Verywell Mind Podcast, Amy Morin, LCSW, interviews authors, experts, entrepreneurs, athletes, musicians, and other inspirational people about the strategies that help them think, feel, and do their best in life. Follow Now: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts Meet Taye Diggs Taye Diggs is an actor who has appeared on Broadway, in several TV shows, and in many movies. He’s best known for his roles in "Rent," the TV series "Private Practice," and the movies "How Stella Got Her Groove Back," "Brown Sugar," "The Best Man," and "Malibu’s Most Wanted." Currently, he stars in "All American," a TV show that appears on The CW that has been renewed for its fifth season. He’ll also be hosting a new reality dating show called "Back in the Groove." He’s written several children’s books that address tough issues like teasing, racial injustice, and separated families. Why Taye Diggs Is Mentally Strong Taye didn’t have to tell anyone that he struggled with insomnia or that he started medication. But he decided to make his story public. He wants to encourage other people to ask for help if they need it and to get help sooner than he did. He waited 13 years to see a doctor for his insomnia, and he wants other people to open up to their doctor sooner if they’re experiencing any physical or mental health issue. What You’ll Hear on the Show When Taye’s difficulties with sleep began The incident that helped him see how serious his problem had become The steps he had tried to take to help himself sleep better Why he resisted talking to his doctor The link between Taye’s anxiety and his insomnia How he tried to convince himself that he didn’t have a problem How his life changed when he started treatment How he addressed the discomfort he felt about asking for help Why Taye decided to start taking medication What he thinks about the stigma associated with taking medication How to get over the discomfort or embarrassment associated with talking to your doctor about an issue 'Why Can't I Sleep'—Why You're Not Sleeping and How to Get More Rest What You’ll Learn About Mental Health and Mental Strength Sometimes we think we should be able to power through any type of problem we face. Or, we convince ourselves that the symptoms we’re experiencing are normal—and that we shouldn’t address them. But it takes mental strength to acknowledge when something isn’t right and to talk to someone about it. Asking for help is tough. But usually, that first step is the toughest. It’s important to remember that professionals will share their opinions with you. They might recommend medication, therapy, diet changes, and alternative treatments but ultimately, you’re the expert on what type of treatment you want to try. What Is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i)? Quotes From Taye 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. — Taye Diggs "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." How Does a Lack of Sleep Affect Your Mental Health? More About the Podcast The Verywell Mind Podcast is available across all streaming platforms. If you like the show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. Reviews and ratings are a great way to encourage other people to listen and help them prioritize their mental health too. Editor’s Note: Please be mindful that this transcript does not go through our standard editorial process and may contain inaccuracies and grammatical errors. Thank you. For media or public speaking inquiries, contact Amy here. Download the Transcript Links and Resources Follow Taye on Instagram: @TayeDiggsInsta Check out Taye’s IMDb profile Learn more about Taye’s books for kids If You Liked This Episode, You Might Also Like These Episodes How to Sleep Better Tonight With Sleep Expert Dr. Chris Winter The Sleep Fix With ABC News Anchor and Former Insomniac Diane Macedo How to ‘Get Through This Night’ With YouTube Sensation Daniel Howell How to Stop Dreaming About Work By Amy Morin, LCSW Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and international bestselling author. Her books, including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," have been translated into more than 40 languages. Her TEDx talk, "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," is one of the most viewed talks of all time. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Helpful Report an Error Other Submit