Nathan Dean, formerly Nathan Dean Parsons, returned to “General Hospital” on April 17, 2026, reprising his role as Ethan Lovett after a nearly six-year hiatus. Upon his return to Port Charles, Dean also sat down with his co-star for a podcast interview on “State of Mind with Maurice Benard.”
During the conversation, the duo touched on some tough topics related to mental health. Following the interview, Dean also took to social media to thank Benard for his mental health advocacy. Read on to discover what the “General Hospital” star discussed and what Dean said about Benard.
Nathan Dean Opens Up About Losing His Brother
During the conversation, Nathan Dean opened up about a deeply personal loss that has shaped his perspective on mental health.
He revealed that his brother took his own life at the age of 28.
Dean explained that the loss was especially difficult to process because there were no outward signs. “I never thought my little brother was going through the same thing,” he said, noting that while he had struggled with his own mental health for years, his brother had never spoken about similar challenges.
He also shared a detail that has stayed with him, telling Maurice Benard, “He waited two weeks after my mom’s birthday, just so he could have a happy birthday with her.”
Dean added that experiences like this highlight how often mental health struggles go unseen, saying that until someone is able to recognize and confront what they’re going through, it can remain “largely unknown.”
Maurice Benard and Nathan Dean Reflect on Mental Health Struggles
Throughout the interview, Benard spoke candidly about living with bipolar disorder and the challenges that come with depression and anxiety.
“There have been times in my life when I felt like, ‘I’ve got to go, because I’m a burden,’” he shared.
Dean responded with empathy, telling him, “Yeah, I completely understand that.”
Benard went on to explain how those feelings can distort reality. “Even though we’re not, it just feels that way,” he said. “When you feel like you’re a burden, you also feel like you might as well not be here.”
The conversation ultimately turned to the importance of speaking openly about mental health. Benard emphasized that discussions like this are essential, noting, “I’ve had tons of interviews, but it’s conversations like this that need to be had all the time. And they’re not.”
Dean agreed, reinforcing the need for continued openness and support around mental health struggles.
Nathan Dean Thanks Maurice Benard for His Mental Health Advocacy
After recording the podcast, Nathan Dean took to social media to praise Maurice Benard for his ongoing work in mental health advocacy.
Sharing a message on his Instagram Story, Dean reflected on both the impact of the podcast and his own experiences with mental health.
“State of Mind is a powerhouse of a show for mental illness,” he wrote. “I suffered from terrible depression from the ages of 13 to 17, as my grandmother died from a heart attack in my arms at 13. It really collapsed my life at that time, and most of my teen years were shaped by that one night.”
Dean went on to praise Benard’s openness, writing, “I love how you are able to bring all of the issues surrounding mental illness out and openly let people know the pain and suffering that goes along with this invisible force that invades the minds of people.”
He concluded with a message of support, adding, “I love your show and everything you are doing, Maurice. Keep doing it! You are awesome, and so is your show.”
Taken together, Nathan Dean’s candid reflections and his message of support for Maurice Benard highlight the importance of open conversations around mental health.
By sharing his own experiences with loss and depression, Dean adds to the ongoing dialogue that Benard has long championed, one that encourages understanding, reduces stigma, and reminds others they’re not alone.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, dial 988 to reach the toll-free Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It’s available 24 hours a day, seven days a week (dial 888-628-9454 for assistance in Spanish). You can also speak with a trained crisis counselor anytime by texting HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.
