Soap Hub Wellness Wednesday: GH’s Risa Dorken Talks Mental Health

As a nurse at General Hospital, Amy Driscoll knows all about health. Now, Amy’s portrayer, GH actress Risa Dorken, is talking to Soap Hub for this week’s installment of Wellness Wednesday.

Risa Dorken – Mental Health Advocate

A year ago in March, Risa Dorken, whose GH character Amy Driscoll is a nod to Laura Collins’s sister Amy Vining (the late Shell Kepler), shared news of her mental health journey and revealed she’s bipolar. “I am so proud of my recovery and grateful for medication and the help of my Psychiatrist,” Dorken said in a 2021 Instagram post.

“This year has taught me so much – I don’t take my body, brain, or health for granted,” Dorken added. “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.”

In December 2020, Dorken sat down with GH co-star Maurice Benard (Sonny) for an episode of his YouTube series State of Mind. Now, Dorken’s taking questions from Soap Hub on mental and physical health. Check out her thoughts in the following Q&A.

Soap Hub: What is your go-to activity for health and wellness?
Risa Dorken: I walk two miles every day. I like to get out in the neighborhood, in the sunshine – but I’ll settle for the treadmill if the weather isn’t cooperating or if I’m in a time crunch.

Soap Hub: Why is wellness important to you?
Risa Dorken: I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder in 2020, so wellness and self-care has become the absolute priority to leading a happy, healthy, stable life.

Soap Hub: How do you keep a healthy mind?
Risa Dorken: Sleep! Keeping a consistent sleep schedule has been crucial in balancing my moods and energy levels. Also medication! There’s no shame in needing help.

Soap Hub: Do you have any wellness tips or tricks?
Risa Dorken: Water! Drink water. I guzzle lemon water all day. It’s helped my complexion a lot, and helps me feel great!

To learn more about Bipolar disorder, contact the National Institute of Mental Health by clicking here.

General Hospital (GH) airs weekdays on ABC. Check your local listings for airtimes. For more about what’s coming up in Port Charles, check out all the latest that’s been posted on GH spoilers, and for an in-depth look at the show’s history, click here.