GH's Maurice Benard Speaks Out for Suicide Prevention Month

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and as an outspoken advocate for mental health, GENERAL HOSPITAL star Maurice Benard had a few things to say to the people who may need to hear them. “It is Suicide Prevention Month,” he announced in a special Instagram video. “I’m very passionate about this subject, for many reasons. I’ve been talking a lot about it, especially lately, and I know how unbearable the pain can be.

“If you know someone or you are someone who is suffering or having thoughts of not being here anymore, I beg you — please call someone, talk to someone, get help,” he continued. “You may think your life doesn’t matter, but I’m telling you a hundred percent — a hundred and fifty percent — it does.”

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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 . – 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.

A post shared by Maurice Benard (@mauricebenard) on Sep 9, 2019 at 6:56am PDT

Benard has been open about his struggles living with bipolar and has written an autobiography detailing his mental health journey. Earlier this year, the Daytime Emmy winner also spoke out against bullying. In the past, he promised to never stop speaking about mental health, and he has not.

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

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