LOS ANGELES, CA – In a deeply moving personal story that has brought fans to tears, veteran ‘General Hospital’ star Maurice Benard has opened up about his harrowing battle with mental health. In a raw and emotional episode of his “State of Mind” podcast, the beloved actor, famous for his role as Sonny Corinthos, gave a candid account of the severe challenges he faced with bipolar disorder and intense anxiety—a story revealing that even television icons are not immune to internal battles.

Benard’s ordeal unfolded during a particularly isolating period when his devoted wife, Paula, and his son, Joshua, were on a two-week trip to Europe. Their absence left a profound void, amplifying every shadow and fear he was trying to combat. Coincidentally, Benard was also portraying a dramatic storyline on ‘General Hospital’ where his character, Sonny, spirals into chaos after stopping his medication—a plot point that eerily mirrored the erratic behavior Maurice was channeling on set daily. The pressure of embodying such instability seeped into his psyche, turning fiction into an unwelcome reality.

As the days went on, a mounting wave of anxiety began to consume him. Sleepless nights became a battleground; he would jolt awake around 2 a.m., his body shaking uncontrollably, his heart pounding as if escaping some unseen threat. Sleep, that elusive refuge, slipped further away with each restless hour, leaving him exhausted and on edge.

In his desperation, he sought help, cycling through appointments with doctors, therapists, and specialists, hopping from one office to the next in a frantic bid for relief. It was his insightful daughter, Kayla, who offered a piece of grounding advice: “Dad, pick one person and stick with them. Scattering your energy won’t heal you.” Her words cut through the fog, reminding him that consistency might be the key to reclaiming control.

Benard reflected on his history with manic highs that left him euphoric yet reckless, crushing depressions, and the relentless grip of anxiety. But it was this bout of insomnia that terrified him most. “Without rest, you’re fighting with one hand tied behind your back,” he shared, his voice laced with the weight of experience. He knew from past episodes that sleep deprivation could tip the scales toward disaster, eroding his ability to cope.

In his quest for stability, a psychiatrist finally prescribed a medication meant to calm the storm, but the aftermath proved devastating. The very next morning, Maurice awoke in a fog of side effects—dizziness, nausea, and a deepened sense of disconnection that made the world feel alien. He turned to a close friend who regularly checked in with genuine concern, asking not out of obligation but true care, “How are you holding up today?”

And here is the moment that brought fans to tears: on one particularly grueling morning, with the house still shrouded in pre-dawn silence, Maurice picked up the phone and dialed a trusted confidant. He poured out his fears in a voice raw with exhaustion. This friend was none other than Vanessa Marcil, the actress who brought Sonny’s passionate love interest, Brenda Barrett, to life on screen. Marcil listened without judgment for over three hours, her steady presence a lifeline pulling him from the brink.

As the conversation wound down, Maurice felt a flicker of hope, a reminder that he was not navigating this alone. Marcil didn’t just offer words; she sprang into action, making urgent calls to secure an emergency appointment with a specialist who could provide immediate guidance. Their shared history on the show added layers to this bond; Vanessa understood the dual worlds of performance and personal fragility, making her support feel profoundly attuned.

Reflecting on this whirlwind, Maurice imparted timeless advice drawn from his trials, urging listeners to embrace emotional honesty as a pathway to freedom. “Don’t bottle it up. Let the tears flow from your core. Shout your truths if you must,” he emphasized.

This candid story from Maurice Benard is not only a powerful reminder of the silent battles many face with mental health but also a testament to the strength of friendship, compassion, and the importance of seeking help. It reminds us that even in our darkest moments, we are never truly alone.