General Hospital

General Hospital Star Risa Dorken Brings Awareness To World Bipolar Day

Published by

Michael Maloney

4 years ago

General Hospital Risa Dorken On Her Bipolar Diagnosis

As a nurse on General Hospital, Risa Dorken takes care of fictional patients. Now, the actress, who plays Amy Driscoll, R.N, is speaking out on behalf of real-life folks on World Bipolar Day.

Risa Dorken Speaks Out On World Bipolar Day

“Happy #WorldBipolarDay!” Dorken, who revealed that she has the condition, posted on Instagram. “I am happy to be celebrating over a year since experiencing the peak grandiose and paranoid delusions (psychosis) that led to my hospitalizations, diagnosis, and treatment for Bipolar 1.

“I am so proud of my recovery and grateful for medication and the help of my Psychiatrist,” the actress adds. “This year has taught me so much – I don’t take my body, brain, or health for granted. Take care of your mental health and check in on your loved ones – mentally ill people can’t always ask for the help we need. A couple of phone calls saved my life last year – Reach out, Get help.

“If you fight every day, I’m proud of you. #BipolarStrong,” Dorken adds.

According to its website, World Bipolar Day is an initiative of the Asian Network of Bipolar Disorder, the International Bipolar Foundation, and the International Society for Bipolar Disorders. Why was March 30th chosen as World Bipolar Day? It’s the birthday of late artist Vincent van Gogh, who was posthumously diagnosed as likely having had bipolar disorder.

The goal of World Bipolar Day is to bring awareness and eliminate social stigmas related to the condition. Check out Dorken’s Instagram post below. For more information on Bipolar Disorder, click here.

Driscoll will celebrate her fifth anniversary as Amy on GH this May. The character was inspired by Amy Vining, R.N., (the late Shell Kepler), Laura’s (Genie Francis) sister. Recently, Laura shared memories of her late sister (with whom she shared different biological parents) with Martin Gray (Michael E. Knight), her half-biological brother. General Hospital (GH) airs weekdays on ABC. Check your local listings for airtimes.