Megan Thee Stallion is known for her confidence, power, and unshakable presence — but even the strongest among us have moments when the weight becomes too heavy to carry alone. The Grammy-winning rapper recently shared one of the most vulnerable chapters of her life, breaking down in tears as she opened up about grief and depression during the “i AM The Table” Benefit Brunch hosted by Taraji P. Henson on Sunday, October 12th at the National Harbor in Maryland.
The emotional conversation, part of the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation’s inaugural brunch — held in conjunction with World Mental Health Day — was dedicated to supporting mental wellness in underserved communities. During the event, Megan reflected on the pain and isolation that followed her mother’s passing, the depths of her sadness, and the decision that ultimately saved her life: seeking therapy.
“Through all of that grief, I was just working and trying to be the best Megan I could be. And I didn’t know I needed therapy until one day, I was just like, Damn, I’m really sad, and it’s really scary how sad I am” she shared, her voice trembling as she fought back tears.
Megan’s honesty struck a chord with attendees and fans alike. She revealed how her grief after losing her mother and manager, Holly Thomas, in 2019 to a brain tumor, spiraled into depression and a frightening sense of hopelessness.
“It was like, I didn’t care what happened to me… And I didn’t want to feel like that — like I should care about my life” she continued.
For Megan, the years following her mother’s death were marked by immense pressure, public scrutiny, and deeply personal trauma — from navigating the music industry without her greatest supporter to enduring the 2020 shooting incident involving Tory Lanez. It was during this period, she explained, that she began to prioritize her mental well-being and lean into therapy as a tool for healing.
The Houston native’s openness about therapy has become a cornerstone of her advocacy. Her 2024 Prime Video documentary, Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words, offered fans a deeper look into her emotional journey. In doing so, she shed light on the often unseen side of success, grief, and survival in the spotlight.
Megan’s revelation at Taraji P. Henson’s event serves as a powerful reminder that healing isn’t linear. And that seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness, but of strength. By sharing her story, she continues to destigmatize therapy and redefine what it means to be resilient, particularly for Black women in entertainment who are too often expected to bear pain in silence.
As the “Hot Girl Coach” put it best, caring for your mental health is the ultimate act of self-love.