Taye Diggs Reveals Ex-Wife Idina Menzel 'Had A Lot To Do' With Sister's Schizophrenia Diagnosis
Taye Diggs is opening up about his ex-wife Idina Menzel's role in his sister's schizophrenia diagnosis and treatment.
Diggs recently revealed that it was Menzel who pointed him in the right direction when he was feeling "helpless" over how to help his sibling following his sister Christian's schizophrenia diagnosis at age 28.
"Walker's mother said, '[Christian] definitely needs to see a psychiatrist,'" the "Private Practice" star told Yahoo Life, referring to the teen son he shares with Menzel.
Diggs credited his ex-wife with his sister's improved condition.
"[Later on,] I was with her at my son's basketball practice, and I thanked her. I said, 'You're the one that kind of spearheaded Christian's path to clarity, which was passed down to us.' I let her know that she had a lot to do with where Christian is right now," Diggs added of Menzel.
Diggs first revealed his now-48-year-old younger sister Christian's schizophrenia diagnosis earlier this month as the siblings launched the new Live Your PosSCZible campaign.
The initiative aims to raise awareness about schizophrenia and highlight "what people with schizophrenia can achieve," according to its website.
According to the Mayo Clinic, schizophrenia is a "serious mental health condition that affects how people think, feel and behave." The symptoms may include delusions, hallucinations, changes in emotions, and disorganized thinking and behavior.
When Diggs first learned about his sister's schizophrenia diagnosis, he knew little about the illness, which in turn caused him to be "paralyzed" due to a lack of answers.
Diggs initially avoided the subject during his conversations with Christian but later learned that it was "the worst thing" he could have done in that situation.
"Christian told me, 'Imagine what it's like to feel like you're not in control of your mind anymore.' Once you hear from somebody's direct perspective, it forces you to look at the situation differently. It didn't occur to me what she was going through," he told Yahoo Life.
Instead of shying away from discussing her illness, Diggs shared that he learned what she needed was for her loved ones to listen, trust, support, and provide her with "a sense of security."
The Broadway star said he did his best to be "active and provide a non-judging ear."
Fortunately, Christian was able to get back on track after Diggs and his family heeded Menzel's advice.
Diggs' late mother helped Christian find a psychiatrist who suited her, and his sister was placed on medication.
According to Diggs, his sister has since made "adjustments" in her routine that allow her to still live her life to the fullest while dealing with schizophrenia.
"I think that's pretty incredible," Diggs shared. "After this and seeing how she's dealing with her life and loving it, I see her as a very successful adult doing her thing. Now I respect her in a different way."
