Maurice Benard Talks Mental Health at The University of San Diego
Just the other day, General Hospital star Maurice Benard, the man behind the iconic character Sonny, took some time out of his busy schedule to speak at The University of San Diego. His daughter, Cailey, studies there, and the event was hosted by the Psychology Club. Maurice didn’t hold back when it came to sharing his personal journey with mental health. It’s something he’s been open about for over two decades, and he feels it’s crucial to keep the conversation going. He posted on Twitter, "More than 20 years ago, I decided to start speaking up about mental health. Every time I talk about it, I realize I can never stop. I'm committed to speaking all over the country next year."
Support From Fans Floods In
People on social media couldn’t help but express their admiration for Maurice’s courage and vulnerability in addressing mental health issues. Many opened up about their own experiences with bipolar disorder—whether it’s something they or their loved ones are dealing with. Fans were grateful for Maurice’s efforts to bring attention to this important topic, both in real life and on General Hospital. In the soap opera, both Sonny and his son Morgan have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Maurice revealed, "General Hospital reached out to me over 20 years ago when the term bipolar wasn’t something people even talked about. They’ve been incredibly supportive in helping bring awareness to this condition."
Sonny has always been there for Morgan, helping him navigate his illness.
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Bipolar Disorder: Breaking the Stigma
Maurice has never been shy about his bipolar disorder diagnosis. He truly believes that being open about it can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues. When a fan mentioned that she’s faced negative reactions after revealing her diagnosis, Maurice was quick to respond, "I haven’t had any bad reactions. I tell people I’m proud to be bipolar." But Maurice also stresses the importance of seeking professional help if you’re struggling with mental health issues. He admits, "I don’t think I’d be alive today if I wasn’t on medication. Whatever you do, don’t stop taking your meds. I’ve been on them for 25 years, and I feel great. Mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder can be treated, but ignoring them can be fatal. People need to understand this, folks!"
Maurice's Powerful Appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show
Back in 2004, Maurice made a bold move by appearing on The Oprah Winfrey Show to discuss his mental health journey. One fan shared that watching him open up on the show was a pivotal moment for her, as it made her realize she wasn’t alone in her struggles. Maurice replied, "Oprah was the beginning for me. Her influence was unmatched. What you just said is exactly why I did it."
Maurice’s Mission Continues
While Sonny continues to live with bipolar disorder in the fictional world of Port Charles, Maurice remains steadfast in his mission to spread awareness about mental health issues in the real world. He’s determined to share his story and inspire others. So, keep an eye out because one day, you might catch him speaking near you!
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