General Hospital (GH) star Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos) chatted with Josh Murray (Russell, the Australian mercenary) from the early 2020s on Sunday night. As usual, Maurice used his State of Mind podcast to have a conversation about mental health. Read on to find out more.
Maurice & Journaling – Again
As GH fans know, the real-life Sonny Corinthos isn’t afraid to share his own struggles with bipolar and anxiety. Previously, when he chatted with short film actress and singer Léa Marcastel, she talked about how journaling helps her. Well, Maurice Benard didn’t like it much, but Josh Murray recommended it on this week’s State of Mind as well. He suggested that it helps to clear the mind.
As far as Josh is concerned, it’s a useful tool that helps remove the “chaos in your head” and brings a sense of freedom. As he loved soccer and was an active young man and kid, the chat also turned to chronic pain and fatigue during his younger years. That seemed to weigh on him, so the duo talked more about coping with the darker side of life.
The Dark Side
Often, as Maurice Benard discussed with many people like Steve Burton (Jason Morgan), physical stress can lead to mental stress. The real-life Russell the mercenary described his stress as presenting sensations that felt like “being crushed by a giant five-ton brick.”
When he went through that, ABC daytime fans heard that Josh Murray felt as if he had to “cut myself off from my humanity.” Fortunately, he found a way out through the arts. The real-life Russell the mercenary next explained that movies and acting helped him feel alive again when he felt most invisible.
Breaking The Silence On Heavy Topics
Maurice appreciated the honesty that Josh brought to the interview on State of Mind, praising him for being so open about such “horrific pain” and the reality of deep darkness.
Plus, the veteran GH star reminded his listeners that chatting about difficult subjects needs to become “regular talk” to help others. Naturally, Josh agreed that the “nature of shame is to hide itself,” which is why speaking out is so vital when it hurts.
GH And The Big Screen
ABC fans of General Hospital know both men for their roles on the soap. However, the discussion proved they have much more going on behind the scenes. Josh Murray talked about his new film, which explores obsession and mental health in the world of bodybuilding.
That meant that Maurice could remind everyone that it’s never too late to start over or find a better “state of mind.”
Viewers React
In the comments section, plenty of General Hospital fans loved the deep and open discussion between the two actors. One of them said:
This is a nice young man and a great interview as always Maurice. I so admire respect everyone who comes on here to talk about their struggles. Their diagnosis which include their upbringing, etc., to give us a broader perspective of what so many people go through and to remind us, we’re not alone.”
Here are a few more responses from the discussion:
- [Josh] thank you for talking about your journey today! Maurice your show always brings a variety of amazing guests and interesting topics!
- I rather journal at night…just me.
- I always and others I have talked to about it feel like the anxiety and depression will never end. Even though I know this too shall pass the feeling is that it will never end.
- I am no longer doing my anxiety pills and i’m doing wonderful.
What are your thoughts? Let us know what in the comments below, and remember to come back here often for all your General Hospital news and updates.