My son, Joshua, opens up about his thoughts about my mental illness

In this episode I'm asking my son, Joshua, to speak about what it's like living with a father who is mentally ill. We get honest about some tough anxiety that I experienced recently.
State of Mind to me means being 100% present, feeling completely at peace inside of you, not letting your thoughts control your life and always looking for ways to be the best that you can be.
This will be the first in a series here on KZbin, however you can learn more about State Of Mind at www.mbstateofm....
If you'd like to learn more about my life, I've recently released "Nothing General About It - How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital" www.amazon.com...
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Film and Television veteran, member of the Actor’s Studio, and two time Emmy Award winner Maurice Benard most recently starred as John Gotti in Lifetime’s acclaimed “Victoria Gotti: My Father’s Daughter,” which aired this year; the horror film “Nightmare Cinema,” with Mickey Rourke, which opened the New York Horror Film Festival certified fresh on rotten tomatoes and was in theatres June 21st; the indie films “Hold On,” and “Equal Standard,” alongside Ice T; and Lifetime’s “A Lover Betrayed.”
Among his other film and television credits are David O’Russell’s critically acclaimed “Joy,” with Robert De Niro and Jennifer Lawrence; “Lucy & Desi: Before the Laughter”; “Ruby”; and “Mi Vida Loca.” The indie film “The Ghost and the Whale,” produced by Benard’s wife, Paula, in which he starred as a bipolar man losing the battle with his illness after his wife’s death, was a labor of love underscored by his strong commitment to raise awareness about mental health issues.
Although Benard has always worked out of the spotlight mentoring individuals in mental health crisis, a letter from a young man whose brother committed suicide while struggling with mental illness moved Benard to begin a public commitment to mental health awareness outside the confines of “General Hospital.” In 2009, on “Oprah,” he shared with the world his own bipolar diagnosis at the age of 22 and the ensuing struggle to manage the illness, from surviving a stint in a mental institution as a young man to becoming a television star. Benard’s journey with mental illness has also been profiled in magazines including PEOPLE, LA LIFE, and BP. HarperCollins is publishing his memoir about the journey, Nothing General About It: How Love and Lithium Saved Me On and Off General Hospital on April 7, 2020.
He has also lent his face and voice to numerous organizations to further the cause, including International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF), the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), Mental Health America (MHA) and Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, to name a few. For his contribution to mental health awareness, Benard has received numerous awards, including IBF’s Imagine Award, NAMI’s Lionel Aldridge Award, and the Erasing the Stigma Award alongside Carrie Fischer and Rod Steiger.
In addition to testifying before Congress on mental health issues, Benard’s keynote speaker engagements detailing his experience include the annual conference for The National Manic Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association and to hundreds of students at the University of San Diego.
In August 2018, Benard celebrated 25 years on the award-winning series “General Hospital,” cementing his status as an enduring television icon. The popular character Sonny “Michael” Corinthos, Jr. originated with Benard in 1993, initially written as only a six-month guest arc; however, Benard’s powerful portrayal became wildly popular with fans around the world and the celebrated actor quickly took Sonny from a peripheral to central role in the fictional city of Port Charles. Benard has maintained lead status on “General Hospital” for the past 16 years, garnering nine Emmy Award nominations, in addition to taking the statue home in 2003 and 2019.
Benard was previously on “All My Children” as another popular character, Nico, from 1987-1990.
His many loyal fans have not only tuned in for almost three decades, but also repeatedly nominated Benard for a Soap Opera Digest Award, honoring him as a winner three times. Benard has also received a Prism Award and four Latino Media Arts Award nominations.
Benard’s “General Hospital” character has long been on the forefront of socially relevant issues woven into storylines like AIDS and Alzheimer’s awareness. He also pushed for his character to be diagnosed as bipolar so mental health awareness can be front and center on a daily television platform.

[@jennifersmith5664]

When Joshua said you're his best friend and you smiled I got misty! Thank you both for sharing.

[@cristinaferreira1413]

I was treated wrongly I had multiple doctors that lefted me and gave me wrong medications for schizophernia but I received good news that I'm doing fine and that I was never schizophernia but schizo effective ! Thank you Maurice and Paula and GH members and you have a nice son ! I was raised by Catholic upbringing and as I became an adult I became a Born - Again Christian I'm still learning with my Christian walk !!! I love your State of Mind videos !!!

[@joydoyle4562]

Your son is a nice and mature young man...You, as a father have a lot to be proud about! Take care Maurice, so glad that you guys are shooting GH again!

[@donnawheeler2195]

I have heard that those who cry are the ones who have been so strong for a long period of time. It’s like letting some of the pressure off. It is not a weakness...but strength under pressure.

[@maureenjones7581]

Just viewed this and another great episode. You introduce your son Joshua who tells his story about living with a mentally ill parent but in his own way he’s actually helping other teens who live with the same situation. He seems so stable, so understanding and insightful. Credit to you and Paula for keeping your communication so open with him. Great father son interview.

[@tauraluna]

Thank you Maurice. We need more voices like yours fighting for those with mental illness. My son was showing signs of bipolar, anxiety & depression at the age of 14, but it took 22yrs & a court ordered mental health evaluation (he threatened suicide) before he was finally given a diagnosis & the correct medications. He hated me for it & refused to talk to me for nearly 3 months. I told him "Tough, I'd rather have you here & mad at me than dead & not!" But, it has made a world of difference. He knows he'll probably be on medication for the rest of his life -- he'll be 39 in 2 weeks -- but he's working on it. Thank you for bringing this into the light. No one should be afraid to seek help, and family members & loved ones can help those who are struggling by being supportive. You've raised a fine young man. Take care and keep these videos coming.

[@kristinwheeler74]

I have hope for Joshua's generation having empathy and understanding of mental health. They don't have to suffer from it but can understand and love people who do. Thanks for this

[@Rachel.08.25]

Agree! It’s hard to not be supported

[@danadysart2751]

Brings back you helping morgan miss that kid. Joshua amazing young man you should be proud

[@latheritup7794]

Maurice....You should be so proud and impressed with Joshua. Quite an amazing speaker for his age. To be that honest and raw . Wow.

[@kitrinaclemons9985]

That"s okay maurice alot of people diagnoised with mental illness my son suffering with mental illness he taking his meds and we don't love him anyless we still love you maurice for life

[@joyceanderson3668]

Thax u maurice for shining a light on mental illness A lot of ppl find it so hard to talk about it Sonny thxs for ur yrs of service for this character on GH Always luv sonny

[@lindahines2449]

IM ALREADY A HUGE!!! FAN DATING BACK TO YOUR ALL MY CHILDREN ERA. I APPLAUD YOU FOR YOUR BRAVADO AND RAW HONESTY. I WISH MORE PEOPLE WOULD BE THIS BRAVE ON A TOPIC THATS FOR THE MOST PART IS STIGMATIZED.❤🙏😘

[@stacyhunt4783]

I love how you’re getting awareness on mental health because I think it’s a subject that people don’t wanna talk about or they don’t wanna admit that it exists but it does and it’s amazing that you’re going around helping people and having a disorder like bipolar is not an easy one. It’s not an easy one for those who love you. I have bipolar disorder too stable on my medicine complex PTSD and I’m just really amazed how you’re helping others thank you for helping others.

[@murphysmommy]

Thank you Maurice. Your voice comes out of the dark to help others. Thank you for sharing your experiences and your lessons. Thank you Joshua!

[@jakewarner5790]

EXPERIENCES

[@AndreBarnettJohnson]

Thanks so much for this, Maurice. The day when my Uncle Charles with Alzheimer's drove 100 miles from the city, and, he didn't know where he was...thank God the cops and I found him. You think they forget about you...but, they don't.

[@jh5kh842]

I don’t know why this came up on my feed but glad it did. As a sufferer of depression, anxiety and ocd is interesting listening to you both talk.

[@TheMaryam1891]

Maurice has been on Soaps since 1980's. His character has a Bipolar diagnosis. Even though it isnt simple they had a story where his TV son was diagnosed as well.

[@redsloane879]

Me too!!

[@jakewarner5790]

PESSIMISTIC LOSE UOUR MEMORY KO OK KKK GGG! J.

[@vera_nika2]

I admire everyone who is open about mental health. We all need to work on getting rid of the stigma we have around it. Thank you for sharing!!

[@jakewarner5790]

QUIT!

[@butterflyhippie123]

I loved every minute of this conversation . Thank you Maurice for sharing you're life. Thank you Joshua for you're honesty.

[@loriwingfield]

Maurice, I remember you from "All My Children" and remember when you shared being diagnosed with Bipolar and dealing with depression/anxiety while on "General Hospital". Thank you for being so open and sharing. God bless you and this new chapter in your life in sharing with others! Keep strong my brother!!! (P.S. I too struggle with depression/PTSD/anxiety).

[@karrenwebb3341]

Thank you Maurice. I have anxiety and depression. Kudos to YOU for bringing mental illness to the forefront. Corona virus has not only affected people physically but mentally. Keep up the good fight.

[@donnapersson2120]

So glad that you have a great son and a wonderful family!

[@downhomenesters2680]

Beautiful interview. Mental illness in a family member can create a deep compassion in children. What a lovely and blessed family. 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@eileenheard4444]

My favorite Soap Star EVER!!! Haven’t watched GH in years, but sure did love it when I did!!

[@stitches318]

the sonny and carly days were the height of GH for me...it went downhill when sarah brown left :(

[@T-bm1nq]

You should come back 😘

[@redsloane879]

@@stitches318 Me too....

[@KatieJoMikell]

stitches Carly and Sonny are very much married c’mon back!

[@stitches318]

@@KatieJoMikell yeah but not with the sarah brown actress that was the carly I fell in love with Laura Wright isn't carly to me

[@galstorm]

I had no idea that you have a you tube channel on mental illness. Your video came up on my feed, and I'm so glad it did. I'm a longtime fan since you were on All My Children. I still enjoy you on General Hospital. I've been suffering from Panic/ Anxiety Disorder and Depression since I was a child. I'm 69 years old, so you can imagine how many years of suffering. The medication and therapy helps, but not enough. Thank you for your channel and sharing on mental illness.

[@debrawitherspoon2201]

Love watching general hospital and have watched it since I was a kid I'm 60 years old now and I want to say I have a son who had bipolar and is no longer with us he was murdered back in 2015 he had his up and down days but he was killed over $20.00 I don't want to get into it all because it makes me sad and I tried everything I could possibly do to help with him and learn more about bipolar but I have come to terms with him being gone he is with the Lord 🙏🙌 now no more pain and suffering here on Earth and I will see him again one day in heaven amen and amen

[@CA-ir1ju]

I love your reply. an isolated attitude but smart as a whip.

[@mistydawn7426]

You are very blessed to have a wonderful son and family. I too have wonderful kids and husband. I attempted suicide about 5 years ago and my oldest son saved my life by getting me to the hospital and making sure I was going to be ok. You are an inspiration to all of us that suffer with a mental illness. Thanks so much for sharing your stories with us. 😊❤

[@lgtu267]

I'm glad your doing this. I've had depression since I was a teenager and my parents didn't understand it and my dad and mom would get mad at me. I'm 52 now and have never forgotten it. I didn't have the family support system. I still have anxiety and depression and take my medicine. I can count on one hand the people I can talk to but I find I usually end up isolating myself.

[@latheritup7794]

Sorry you went through that

[@lgtu267]

@Reischa Parker Hi I still struggle with it. Thank goodness for meds. I deal with some things better but I feel sometimes I'm a shell of who I was before I was depressed. Could also be years of medicine as well.

[@crystalluna3703]

Girl my family is the same way n its be passed down to my own family in fact I've been diagnosed w having bipolar on top of having depression n my husband recently tells me you never told me not until two weeks ago. We e been married for 22 yrs. It was the first thing I told him cause of my mood swings. I told him that either people I get close to get up n die or I have a tendency to push people away cause of my bipolar so you might as well leave now.

[@lgtu267]

@@crystalluna3703 I'm sorry that you are dealing with that. I find it's easier to keep people at a distance. Most end up hurting me. I have my fur babies which I'm thankful for. I remember I was filling out a health insurance form and my dad said you don't have a mental illness. What. Is depression then??

[@jakewarner5790]

MY HERO MY SON. MOMMY....

[@djwinchell]

MR.Bernard you have an incredible family,I can see how much you care about your family,sharing what goes on with your family helps your family understand what is happening with you and can elevate your guilt on top of everything else that you have no control over.

[@wbrad54]

Maurice you are doing a wonderful thing by sharing. Your son seems to have a good head on his shoulders and how wonderful he can be there for you. It’s so good to know you have a.loving family to help support you. Take care.

[@tonyawaters4492]

You are such a great dad and your son loves you so much great job

[@FollowScripture]

TY Maurice , you are helping many people understand God Bless you♥

[@jeannettecurbelo8054]

Joshua is so adorable saying his dad is his best friend 💙

[@annierose2388]

Maurice I've been watching you since u played Nico on All My Children. I think these talks help people who are afraid to open up. I have had bouts with anxiety from time to time. For a while there I was in a dark place, but now I can managed it pretty well. Please continue this, I'm sure it helps many, and some to face their problem. Love my Sonny. I hope he's on for many years to come. The story line of you and your father's relationship, fire. Keep up the good work.

[@lesliependergrass8797]

Thank you Maurice Benard....I have alot of Respect for you...Thank you Joshua for your input...WOW...

[@lauraregan8439]

You have wonderful son! The reason you let him in during the Corona pandemic is because you have clearly raised such a strong caring young man and have many reasons to be proud.

[@robinstewart736]

COVID has exposed a lot of vulnerabilities in people. It is great Maurice is sharing this, and kudos to his son for his empathy and understanding, overall.

[@danibushey8092]

Thanks for sharing, Maurice/Sonny! REALLY nice... It's NOT BEING WEAK TO CRY!

[@cynthia-v5z8z]

Maurice, This So Real, And Raw. I have Always Been A Fan, And Love Him Dearly. Such Great Talent! This Is Helpful to People Suffering, With the Same Issues, And Need Words Of Encourage ment.

[@JustineRedman]

First off, Joshua you are such a Godsend to your family and I applaud you for you for standing next to your father! God Bless you 🙏 ❤

[@aceman4]

I 2nd that

[@KatieJoMikell]

I love you Sonny. Such a beautiful relationship you and your son have you can see the love you two have for one another it’s beautiful! ♥️♥️

[@Birder6483]

Your son said " he's like my best friend" what an amazing comment and that speaks volumes. I suffer from Depression, anxiety and panic attacks. I try not to let's my kids see me in that way. But my issues have gotten worse since Covid so my 22 yr old daughter has seen me in the middle of a couple panic attacks and my depression from being home and not at work. We talk about it and she can always lift my spirit or at least help me through the moment. Being open I think is best. Our kids understand alot more than we give them credit for. They are stronger than we expect. I've been watching from day 1 through both my pregnancies and now my daughter's 22. I think over 30 yrs. Thank you for being so open ❤❤

[@josephadiaz8343]

I've watched Maurice on General Hospital (great actor). I love the way you two love and care for each other, it shows. My sister has anxiety attacks often. It's very hard watching her go through this. She can't breathe when she's like this. She feels we her (daughter and I) don't understand what she's going through (and we don't know exactly what she's going through) but we can only be here for her no matter what . I love my sister so much ❤️, but sometimes it's very hard seeing her go through this. I feel sometimes she needs to be in a home for the elderly (she's 73yrs young)where she can get medical attention. Then I realized,in this town, in these elderly homes they've disrespected these people, they abuse them. So that's out of the question. I'm just saying we've got to be a little stronger and bear with the person going through this situation. And the person going through this sadness, please try to understand we your family and friends are trying our best in understanding your situation, and sometimes we don't know exactly what to do, but bear with us when we try to be there with you. Love love love is what we all need ❤️. Maurice you're such an awesome person for letting people into your life like this. Sometimes we think we're all alone in this. Thank you sir, I respect you even more now. What an awesome son you have (be there for each other always 😊✌️😎) love and peace. God bless you

[@josephadiaz8343]

Paula PC, may God be with you always,hang in there sweet lady 😊🙏

[@Birder6483]

@@josephadiaz8343 thank you so much. God Bless you

[@kiriforever1]

Joshua strongly resembles his Dad. Thank-you Bernard, for addressing the complex topic of Depression, anxiety, and bi-polar. It is very courageous of you to discuss, and own the topic of mental illness. Big admiration & best wishes to you always, I am a big fan of your humanity.

[@chef6114U]

I been watch GH for a long time...glad to be able to always catch up with hulu...Sonny is one of the great ones..God Bless stay safe. Much love for you and your family

[@My20pearlz]

Man, this is so needed in the world right now. People tend to shy away from the truth with the struggles of mental illness but it is soooo needed. I applaud you Maurice! Thank you for helping people.

[@Calverts399]

Maurice you're an inspiration and your son is fantastic 👏 ❤

[@tracydaniels5704]

Just with his wife this is raw honesty and it good to have these conversation proud of this man he has arrived.His don is amazing thank you for these conversation .May god continue to bless you and your family .

[@barbgallagher]

I have been suffering with depression for quite some time now. Was prescribed medication for it 3 years ago. I am glad that you are doing these videos. Thank you.

[@tanyaldowell1950]

Crying is healing Love and Prayers

[@Therapistmind]

I’m so happy to find this I’m a big fan of GH but also of you, Maurice Benard. I bought your book I too suffer with mental anxiety and depression and after that I got a surprise video from you wishing me happy Mother’s Day and my kids told you I was a hospice social worker and you said I’m your hero. You are my hero I worked as a sw in mental health for 20+ years to help others. This discussion was great I too hide my anxiety from my kids but my daughter has it and we have discussed the torture in the mind and I told her my journey with it. Love this channel thank you.

[@zitolover]

This is beautiful. Thank you for all you do to raise awareness for mental illness.

[@PinkSunglasses50]

there is NOTHING WEAK in showing emotions

[@joshburns4611]

My best friend Tana says she won't trust a man that can't or won't cry.

[@christinialane7909]

I understand the pain my daughter suffers from bi polar manic depressive disorder and severe anxiety. It's horrible. There isn't much help out there for it especially if you don't have the money for the costly teatment

[@itravisoni]

There's one thing showing emotions and another being clinical depressed emotions it's totally different. Jesus can heal

[@kerriecarr6287]

Joshua, you are Smart and adorable! I agree that you do need to see it so you have a better understanding when it's happening, covering it up is hiding it, you never know who you might know in your life that you might be able to help because you have an understanding how that person feels! I think Education is the key to helping someone!!! So thank you, both, you're both doing a great job educating us!!!

[@princesscindy52]

I’m so happy that you put this out there because I have Bi-polar disorder and my daughter’s have never seen me have a breakdown but they’ve listened to me on the phone. Both of my daughters don’t like the fact that I have mental illness and they always tell me that I have to keep myself in check or I can’t be around my grandchildren and it hurts me so much. Since the coronavirus I’ve only been able to see my granddaughters a couple of times and I live alone so it gets very lonely and I find myself wanting to cry but I remember what my daughters have said about keeping myself in check so I’ve been keeping busy cleaning my house and cleaning things out around my house just so I don’t feel lonely and cry. Thank you Maurice for being so real and to Joshua for not freaking out when you’ve had a episode and for trying to understand and help you. You have a great son.

[@barbsanderson9991]

I’m very proud of you and your son. Your very strong. Bless you and your family ❤️❤️

[@tonicombs5129]

Both of you are so amazing for doing this! You are doing wonders for awareness ❤️🙏

[@rosebud7283]

Oh, Maurice I sure hope you look back at this when Josh said, you had become besties! It made me cry, you radiated with pride!! What a great kid, Maurice! Thank you for sharing!

[@cindytroxler2838]

Thank you so much for doing this Maurice and Joshua. I too suffer from anxiety and depression and I have a daughter who is now 33 who also suffers from the same issues. You're right, I am much better able to help her so much, she knows she can call me anytime and talk about any issue, and it helps her a lot.

[@nancybarry5262]

Thank you so much for opening up and sharing your story, Maurice. And thanks Joshua, for being a great son to your Dad.

[@carolblackstone8192]

Your son seems amazing and you are a great dad .I love seeing how you are with the little kids on GH .You can see it in your eyes that you really relate to them .I love love love your story line with Mike .

[@barbarajacobs9386]

Such a beautiful father son relationship and that when Mo called Joshua his second Paula it really hit me. The fact that Corona got Joshua to really see what you have been trying to hide and see you in pain took him back must have been eye opening. Yes Mo I know you wanted to hide it all from the kids but it was something they needed to see. I love the relationship you both have. Miss the car lol.

[@jodyschintgen4825]

Loved hearing josh give his answers to your questions MO your inspiration to me

[@lindaocasio8782]

Maurice ' so proud that your able to share your emotions with your family & your fans. Love you on GH and movies you have been in. God bless you & your family

[@catherinerodriguez4598]

I am so amazed to see how you have risen. The admiration in your eyes for Joshua and in his eyes for you is inspiring. Thank you so much for sharing this part of your life. It is so important for families to share their strengths and weaknesses, I can't tell you how much this means. My ex husband has been diagnosed with bipolar and I am going to forward your videos, I think it will help him understand better.🌹

[@GinaMarieCheeseman]

As someone who suffers from depression and anxiety, and has a bipolar grandparent on each side of her family, I really appreciate you speaking out about mental illness.

[@trishaweaver9994]

Oh my heart! My best friend and better half suffers from mental illness and we too have four children. Each child views his mental illness differently and we as a family have made it thru the hills and valleys together. It is an ongoing daily process and I could not think of a better man for me and dad for my children. Any illness is doable with strength, faith and love. Sending prayers and big hugs to you and your family

[@kathleentyson6727]

I really loved the honesty here,I’ve known that Maurice Bernard suffered from mental illness for years. I was raised with an older brother who was schizophrenic,it manifested itself when he was 14 ,I was ten ,so I don’t remember much about it. But I also suffer from depression and anxiety,some days are worse than others,thank you for this .

[@j.leannh.1688]

Same here Kathleen. I was 9, my brother was 14 when he was diagnosed w/bipolar & schizophrenic. I deal w/anxiety & so does my daughter.

[@mistyb8434]

Amazing!! Thank you for being real and talking about depression. It’s real and I’m tired of being embarrassed or made to feel ashamed that I have it & need medication to treat it!!

[@valz4050]

I enjoyed the interview. Great family.

[@jackiesubia5090]

Maurice Bernard, thank you for making this video and sharing. I have been watching you on June 8 since I was a little girl. When I learned of what you were suffering and watched of your videos, they helped me so much. I have been helping my husband through this for the past 20 years. I have learned to help him off the ledge, so to speak, as you said in your video. It has been challenging especially for me and of the family also go. This with him. I have noticed that during stressful times, there are more episodes. Times when he cannot control the situation for people. Anger and see usually the first response and it is usually fueled by deeper feelings of fear, sadness, hopelessness, and anxiety. It has definitely been a learning process. What you are doing is amazing and will help so many people. I have also found that helping him to grow his faith in God has made a huge difference. It takes the burden off of him thinking he needs to do everything. God is in control. Exercise also helps quite a bit. Please keep making and sharing these videos. Hopefully I will be able to help others as well. Our trials are for us to grow and learn and to share with others to help them. Thanks again! Thank you so much! May God continue to bless you and your family.🙏🏻💕🙏🏻

[@christys8445]

Maurice - I admire you in so many ways. Thank you for being in my life through your portrayal of Sonny Corinthos and through your KZbin videos. You are a gem. 💎 God bless you and your family. 🙏

[@dobby9638]

Thank you so much for being open And discussing your illness. You have such a lovely family and it is so fantastic to see how well you have bonded with your children. Please continue having these talks as there are many of us that suffer especially during the coronavirus outbreak. I have been following you for many years and love your work. You are so very blessed to have family and friends that's support you. Thank you for being you. Remember you are very loved in this world!❤❤

[@tammydiscon6173]

Maurice, this is great that you are sharing your personal experiences of depression, anxiety and being bi-polar. I do not experience this personally, but I know others that do. I'm so glad I came across this video....i will be sharing it. You're still my favorite on GH! Much Love!!!

[@kathywindsor9666]

So happy that you and your family have stayed together with love and support. Love Sonny character too

[@francesrogers6993]

God bless you and ur family so a fan of GH and honesty

[@marymcdonald7249]

Maurice ,you are helping others who may need help. You are sharing your reality. Your son is amazing. There are many people who suffer. No reason to hide , thanks for helping others.

[@melodyspoor3127]

Maurice, what an amazing strength you show. Joshua, you are a very articulate young man. God bless you both and give you strength to face your days.

[@sheilamontoya5546]

Thank you for this video. You are so real about this issue. It takes a lot of strength emotionally to open up

[@joannie0708]

Maurice, you are my hero and have been for years Love you always

[@remysstuff3321]

What a beautiful relationship you have ...... priceless.

[@lisadavis9203]

I'm so happy you have your own channel on KZbin Maurice ! And that you are being so transparent and vulnerable. It truly helps me, it truly helps humanity, especially men and children. Your son is awesome. You and Paula have done a wonderful job raising him, he's a good person and a kind sweet soul. He looks like you too and has some of your mannerisms ; ) KEEP SPREADING YOUR LOVE, LIGHT. AND LESSONS IN THE WORLD MAURICE. LOVE, LISA.

[@lilcowgirlsluvr]

Thank you both for talking about mental health.

[@angelagray3491]

This a beautiful candid discussion that would be really instrumental in so many people's lives.You and your son are so awesome and he is so intelligent and understanding! God bless you all ! You have the most amazing wife and kids because you are amazing.Having a mental illness doesn't make or break you.Its your deep love in your heart and being a good person that defines you the rest is just like a rainy day.You get gloomy clouds or storms but the sun will always shine again! Always know you are a special loving person with a beautiful family🙏❤

[@magrichnavarrete7642]

Mr. Bernard I have tremendous respect for you. The fact that you're openly talking about this is great, mental health is a big part of a person's life and what you have is really big. So I applaud you. Again thank you, to be this brave.

[@marypeterson6423]

I am so glad this came across my feed. I want to thank you for being a so open and candid about your mental illness. You are such a strong person and are helping so many others by talking about bipolar disorder. I have anxiety and depression and my son has schizophrenia,anxiety and depression, so I can truly appreciate and understand all that you are sharing. Thank you Maurice!

[@noralynn6318]

What a down to earth well rounded son. It's so nice to see a family comunicate so openly. The closeness is so special 😊 Anxiety is tough ❤

[@MelissaPerez-hn4uh]

Thank you for stepping up and bringing this to light. I suffer from depression & anxiety and it is very hard to try to hide it from everyone. I finally told my Doctor, I needed help with what I was going thru. Real men do cry, it is a release that your body needs. I too can talk to people dealing with issues, but I can't help myself. God Bless you & your family.

[@rosethompson5430]

As the child of a bipolar mother, going thru and experiencing the episode of your parent is somewhat difficult but we know it can't be helped. It makes us emphatic to your challenges... and they challenges for you every family member. Your never alone in the struggle.

[@leahwilson1962]

My daughter leaves as fast as she can when I break down. But she's seen it her whole life, so now she wants away. I hide it from her alot to not hurt or scare her. Joshua was great. Thank you

[@crystalluna3703]

I truly understand how you understand. I've had bipolar for a very very long time. There r days where you tell people how u feel n others time you dont cause you think oh my god in couldnt that that to any one n you start praying to God n cry like a baby n none one understand n you tell your husband n he just doesnt get you so you feel like no one understands you except your beat friend. Thank you A.k. a Sonny. love you

[@hugstermarilyn8862]

Thanks Maurice and Joshua for sharing yourselves with us. Greatly respect what you are doing. Lotsa Hugs to you both.

[@BillieJean1985]

Nice seeing you all together and your son interview u.

[@joyceferrell7260]

Great FOR MR Bernard to share this aspect of his life with others so that we can understand this subject better.

[@susanbertolini6810]

I used to know you Maurice. We worked at the same store, Best Products Inc. My name is Sue and I also have bipolar disorder and I deal with depression and anxiety. My heart is with you ❤️

[@dechinta]

I LOVED Joshua on GH when he was playing a younger you. I only saw my Daddy cry a few times, but my mother......never. Even when my Daddy died, after they'd been married for 71 years, my mother did not cry. I've often wondered why she couldn't or wouldn't cry. My parents were older so my mother wouldn't hear of getting on medication. She thought she was perfect and everyone else was mean. I've wondered how her life would be if she'd been able to get on medication. Oh my god, I understand that. I can help EVERYONE in the world, but I can't help myself when I'm in the pit of a depression. I'm not bipolar, but major depression, anxiety, panic disorder, etc. I have no family so nobody sees the bad days. My dog sees me, but he's always "Hey Mommy! This is the best day ever! Why are you in the bed?"

[@caratorri8447]

Oh wow I didn't know Joshua played that part on GH. I didn't know he even acted

[@dechinta]

@@caratorri8447 Oh, he was excellent! I don't know if he has acted other than that one time, but oh my gosh, he was perfect. You could just envision the young Sonny, his emotions, how he felt, how he was becoming who he is today, it was the BEST.

[@robyncherry9663]

I have loved your work for so many years. I didn’t know of your struggle until a couple of years ago and it only deepens my respect and admiration for you. You truly amaze me! Joshua is so lucky to be your Son. He appears to be amazing in his own right. ❤️🙏🏾🥰

[@bm3aquatic]

I worked with teenagers with mental illness for 25 years. The biggest part of my job was listening. Bravo to you first of all for doing this series and second of all for your honesty and ability to keep learning. You son is wonderful!

[@johanneaube7255]

This is amazing and so important! Thank you Maurice for talking about it so openly. It will help a lot of people. I'm sure it's just a beginning... a new beginning.

[@ramonaklassen9280]

You are giving awareness to Mental illness and it has given me comfort. I do suffer with anxiety and small bouts of depression and the best part is being aware of when it starts coming on. I let others know right away and they support me by watching, waiting and comforting me when I need it the most.

[@traceyanndunham349]

Thank You For Sharing your life with us. I have been battling Rheumatoid Arthritis for 20 years. Depression & Anxiety since I was 17. I am proud of you for talking with us. Blessings to you & your son Always. I am 48 years old now. I have been watching you since you started in AMC as Nico & followed you to GH. Still watching for 40 years. 😊✝️🙏🏻❤️

[@dollydavis6105]

so proud of you an your son. How does he feel about you playing Sonny on GH?

[@JustineRedman]

Maurice, I'm still waiting in Orlando, one of your greatest followers! I suffer from PTSD, Depression and anxiety, but I do have some close friends with Bipolar! You have helped so many people God Bless you ♥️ 🙏

[@sandramiller8701]

Maurice Bernard is the Best actor on General Hospital. Sonny a Jason is the reason why I watch General Hospital,,,,their really great actors togather I love their best friend loyalty.

[@lauragamblin4898]

Thank you, Maurice and Josh... I think that mental illness is definitely something that needs to be brought up to the forefront and not be a taboo... Especially now when we're all going through something of such a magnitude that none of us have ever seen... When you have a mental illness and something like a pandemic comes along, it's definitely intense.

[@kerstintaugher1793]

So brave to put everything out there. You are helping so many people. I suffer from severe OCD . Mental health needs to be talked about. Thank yo so much!