General Hospital News: Maurice Benard Speaks Out During National Suicide Prevent Month

Maurice Benard is not only a fan favorite and Daytime Emmy Award winner for his role as Sonny Corinthos on General Hospital, but he’s also a champion on mental health. This week, he has a very important message for anyone facing a crisis.

Maurice Benard Says Get Help If You Need It

“Choose Life,” Benard recently posted on Instagram. The actor hosts a show titled State of Mind, which can be seen on YouTube. State of Mind, to Benard, means “being 100% present, feeling completely at peace inside of you, not letting your thoughts control your life and always looking for ways to be the best that you can be.”

“This week’s State of Mind says it all,” the actor adds, as “September is National Suicide Prevention Month and September 6 – 12, 2020 is National Suicide Prevention Week.

“If you or someone you know has been struggling with suicidal thoughts, warmlines staffed with people with lived experience are available at Mental Health America.

“If you are in crisis,” Benard adds, “call 1-800-273-8255 or text MHA to 741741 for 24/7 support. #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness endstigma #NSPW20 #nationalsuicidepreventionweek #nationalsuicidepreventionmonth #NSPM20.”

In 2009, Benard appeared on Oprah to share his story of a bipolar diagnosis when he was 22 years old. He talked about his struggle to manage the illness and how he went from surviving a stint in a mental institution to becoming a working actor.

Benard has won two Daytime Emmys for Outstanding Leading Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Sonny. Currently, Sonny is in the process of watching his father, Mike (Daytime Emmy-winner Max Gail), battle a worsening case of Alzheimer’s.

Earlier this year, Benard published his memoir, Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital. You can hear what else Benard has to say in his Instagram video post below. General Hospital airs weekdays on ABC. Check local listings for air times.