General Hospital’s Maurice Benard conquers another fear

General Hospital star Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos) has been open about his anxiety, fears, and bipolar disorder since 2000. Over the years, he’s been able to confront many of his fears including flying and even roller coasters. Now, he faced another fear when he spoke in public about mental health, a topic near and dear to his heart.

General Hospital’s Benard was honored at a mental health awareness event

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The Los Angeles Tribune recently held an event honoring people who have made an impact on the field of mental health, and General Hospital’s Benard was one of the speakers. The Tribune posted a clip of his speech on Instagram with the caption:

The Los Angeles Tribune honored those who have made an impact in mental health, self-awareness, personal development, and speaking during the Power Tour with The Los Angeles Tribune Awards, presented by Moe Rock (CEO), Ava V. Manuel (Editor-in-Chief), and the entire Los Angeles Tribune team.

The outlet further explained how Benard was honored at the event:

Maurice Benard was presented with the Inspiration in Mental Health Impact Award.

The video showed the first part of Benard’s speech, where he remarked that he was surprised to be the first speaker. Then he thanked everyone involved in putting the event together and inviting him. He stated,

I’ve been talking about mental health for over 30 years when it wasn’t hip to talk about it. And people always ask me why I did it, 'cause I wasn’t gonna do it. In the beginning, they told me not to talk about mental health 'cause I wouldn’t get hired as an actor. But then I figured out it’s better to help people than deal with that bull***t.

That last bit garnered him great applause from the audience. Benard later posted the last part of his speech on Instagram with the caption:

It’s amazing how the mind works growing up I was always so petrified to speak in front of people. I want to thank @thelesbrown The legend and @losangelestribune for an incredible evening. Met some amazing people @askadamtorres billwalsh360 filmed by @annadamergis @mbstateofmind @majidraees @namicommunicate @didi_hirsch @mentalhealthamerica #mentalhealthawareness

In the presentation, he explained that the reason he began discussing mental health:

I created a show called State of Mind. Wrote a book about mental health. Because I wanted people to be able to see me talking about suffering and pain and so they could say to themselves, "If it’s all right for him to cry, it’s okay for me." We don’t have to be alone in this battle, and I’m gonna change it and keep on changing it. Thank you.

His General Hospital co-star Lydia Look, who plays mobstress Selina Wu, responded,

Love! ❤️😘❤️💪🏼

To which Benard replied,

@thelydia_look thank you girl

A fan, @valerirosenberg6, echoed the sentiment of many of his followers with:

Thank for all the work you do and tell people who need help with mental health ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️😍😍😍

Benard continues to inspire people to meet mental health head-on and to openly discuss it in public, spreading awareness about how the open dialogue needs to continue.

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