General Hospital’s Maurice Benard explains how knowledge is power

General Hospital star Maurice Benard, who plays mafia don Sonny Corinthos, has been an ardent proponent of mental health awareness. He is especially able to reach a wide audience through his YouTube series, State of Mind. He also shares his thoughts on social media and recently posted an enlightening video.

He’s playing the mental health game

In October, Benard posted a video on Instagram with the caption:

I used to be a big reader I believe reading, is a vital part of life!!! I don’t read as much these days [with] so many things to do. But I do think with so much anxiety I need to learn all about it, I want to be ahead of the game. The Mental Health game.

In the video, he explained that he was reading alone at a park, watching children play, and enduring 100-degree weather. He explained the reason he was reading:

If the anxiety keeps coming, you gotta get as much knowledge as you can.

Benard continued, half-jokingly stating,

I’m gonna read all about my friend, anxiety.

He showed the book he was reading which was titled, Unf*** Your Anxiety: Using Science to Rewire Your Anxious Brain by Faith G. Harper, PhD. According to its listing on Amazon, the book helps people:

Understand the history and science of anxiety, realize when it's become a serious problem, know the difference between anxiety and other conditions, and cope with it in the moment as well as addressing it long term.

Benard’s rationale was

‘Cause, if you can’t beat ‘em, or if you can beat ‘em, knowledge is power, right? Yes.

The fans had wide and varied responses

Many fans appreciated his words, while several others also lamented the death of Ron Hale, who played his TV dad, Mike Corbin, from 1995 to 2010. One fan responded,

I am sorry about Ron...I found out I have bipolar in me as well been on the depressive side for years...But my high came out this summer.

Benard replied with three crying face emojis.

Fans were not only inspired to get a copy of the book, as well as share some of their own favorite anxiety reads, but also wanted to start reading in general, as one stated,

I love reading and I have to admit that I do not do much of it anymore. My device has taken up too much time. When the weather cools off I will go find a good book and hopefully start reading once again! Enjoy yours!

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Some of his followers explained that reading helps their anxiety while others find their mind races too fast to do so. And one loyal follower commented on Benard reading by himself in the park:

Yes, very good way to get out of yourself and out of your anxiety🙏🏽💜

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