‘General Hospital’: Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos) On His Mental Health and State of Mind

Spoilers for “General Hospital” (GH) indicate that Maurice Benard, who performs the role of “businessman” Sonny Corinthos, has been forthright and honest about his mental health and state of mind.

In his book “Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me on and Off General Hospital,” Benard is frank about his battles with bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression.

He also discusses his professional background and job at the General Hospital. Benard discusses his experiences with his mental illness. Benard has played Sonny Corinthos on GH for thirty years.

A New York Times bestseller was quickly achieved by the book. Sharing his story with others makes Maurice feel incredibly proud.

‘General Hospital’ Spoiler: Maurice’s Experiences With his Mental Health and State of Mind

When Benard was 21 years old, he received a diagnosis of manic depression. He experienced a manic phase. He was registered with a mental hospital. He faithfully takes the lithium that his psychiatrist prescribed.

When a fan wrote him a letter explaining that their brother had committed suicide, Maurice started talking openly about his mental health issues. An interview Maurice gave helped him cope with the pain of the incident.

When Maurice was hired by GH, he began producing work. He made the error of stopping his medication, which was clear to him. He lost his composure.

Instead of avoiding the situation, Maurice and the General Hospital writers chose to raise awareness of mental health issues and make Sonny, a character played by Maurice, also have bipolar disorder. Benard knows better than to stop taking his medication.

Presently, the three-time Emmy winner hosts a podcast called “State of Mind.” Thousands of fans have found it helpful in overcoming their mental health challenges.

Every week, Benard will have a guest actor or celebrity share their experiences on his show, and Maurice promotes every facet of mental health you can think of.

Benard has been candid with his fans about what it’s like to experience a mental breakdown and how to spot the signs that you may be experiencing issues.

‘General Hospital’ Spoiler: Facing Severe Depression

When the pandemic struck, Benard faced many difficulties and experienced significant anxiety.

He was unable to handle the isolation, suspension of his education, and COVID fear. He chose to seek out professional assistance because it became so overwhelming.

Maurice admitted that at the time he had considered suicide and that getting help was a matter of life and death.

He was supposed to go on a book tour, but the pandemic prevented him from doing so. Zoom ended up being the subject of Maurice’s book tour, which was a major setback for him.

Maurice felt like the walls were closing in on him as he struggled with some of the worst depression of his life. He knew he needed assistance because his mind wandered to an unhealthy place.

After receiving the assistance he required, Maurice used his podcast to help connect with people who might be going through a similar struggle.

The seasoned actor from General Hospital wants people to know that there is always light at the end of the tunnel, no matter how hopeless things may seem or how dark they may get.

In addition, Maurice serves as an ambassador for the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. He is passionate about helping others and speaking out against mental illness in addition to acting.

Maurice is courageous enough to draw on his personal experiences with mental illness to play the part because Sonny Corinthos also has bipolar disorder.

Maurice has a very visible platform from which to address issues like depression and others.

Benard wants to leave his audience with a very optimistic message. There is always hope if you are honest about your feelings, seek help, and struggle with these issues.

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