First published 2020
Maurice Benard opens his life story by looking back at his small town childhood and the strained bond with his father. At twenty, doctors diagnosed him with bipolar disorder, but the signs had appeared much earlier. Benard pursued acting with fierce determination, eventually landing his role on General Hospital and winning an Emmy. Success brought fame and family, yet his mental health struggles intensified. His wife endured his violent outbursts and unpredictable behavior as he battled terrifying depressive episodes and manic highs. Benard describes his experiences with medication and hospitalization, revealing how he learned to manage his condition while working on set. He examines the intersection of his professional achievements and personal turmoil, showing how lithium treatment and love from his family became his anchors. This memoir traces his path from a troubled young man to a husband and father of four who found ways to balance his career demands with his mental health needs.
Genres: mental-health, autobiography, mental-illness, biography-memoir
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: personal-journey, self-discovery
256 pages · Hardcover · William Morrow
Content warnings: mental-illness