“General Hospital” star Chris McKenna opened up about his struggles with mental health.
The actor, who plays Jack Brennan on the long-running ABC soap, revealed he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and was hospitalized for treatment.
During his December 21 guest appearance on “State of Mind with Maurice Bernard” podcast, McKenna bravely talked about his diagnosis publicly for the first time.
“I have bipolar disorder,” the actor told host Maurice Bernard. “This is the first time I’m ever talking about it publicly.”
Chris McKenna Details His Struggles With Mental Health
In the interview, McKenna said his mental health reached its lowest point during the COVID shutdown.
“It just lingered on and on, the monotony and not, like, moving on with my life,” the actor explained. “I was back at home, and it really started to do a number on my mental health in particular.”
Bernard, who has been open about his bipolar disorder, asked his “General Hospital” co-star how he’s doing these days.
“I’m doing good right now,” McKenna replied. “It hasn’t always been the case, but I’m good right now.”
McKenna went on to share that he also struggled with alcohol and drugs. Looking back, he revealed that he had his first breakdown when he was a teenager and lived his whole life with the disorder undiagnosed.
The “General Hospital” star also revealed that he experienced a rare mood disorder called “heavy cyclothemia,” during the COVID shutdown.
“That’s what triggered my first dangerous depression since [I was] a teenager, which was followed by a manic psychotic episode which required hospitalization,” he added.
Fans Rally Around the ‘General Hospital’ Star
McKenna later revealed that he experienced delusions and believed he could read minds. He initially thought it was due to drug use, but later confirmed he was bipolar after being hospitalized.
“I finally got my diagnosis that I needed my whole life and got on medication, and that’s where I am today,” McKenna added.
Meanwhile, fans showed their support for the “General Hospital” actor. One fan wrote, “Thank you for bravely sharing your story. We must take the stigma out of mental health illness.”
Another commented, “So glad you were able to get a correct diagnosis! Thank you for sharing such personal information. It helps others to be open to taking medication and getting help.”
Someone added, “This is a diagnosis that requires a lot of education. Thank you for opening up and sharing both of your lives.”
As someone who has manic depression in her family, I am so glad you are doing well. I know that finding the right medication is the way to get better.