Maurice Benard’s Important Message For National Suicide Prevention Day

Few in the soap world have been as dedicated to shining a light on mental health struggles as General Hospital star Maurice Benard. The actor, who has battled bipolar disorder since his early 20s, even encouraged the show to write the illness for his character, Sonny. Now the actor wants those who are struggling to know they matter.

In an Instagram post with video, Benard said: “September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. You may think your life doesn’t matter, but I’m telling you it does. I beg you, please call someone, talk to someone, get help. #SuicidePrevention @namicommunicate @dani.bates,” he wrote in the caption.

The two-time Daytime Emmy-winner also included a list of things for people to be aware of that may help you save someone else who is having a hard time. These things include:

– If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911 immediately.
– If you are in crisis or are experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273 TALK (8255)
– If you’re uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can also text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line.

It’s excellent advice — just to know that you could make that kind of difference in someone’s life. He’s not the only actor to reach out asking people to make a difference in someone’s life.

Earlier this week, former GH co-star Matt Cohen (ex-Griffin) asked that kids reach out if they see a fellow student who looks lonely or is being bullied. General Hospital (GH) airs weekdays on ABC. Check your local listings for airtimes.