Chris McKenna, known for his role on the long-running soap opera General Hospital, has opened up about his battle with bipolar disorder during an interview on the podcast “State of Mind with Maurice Benard.” This marks the first time McKenna has publicly discussed his diagnosis, revealing the profound impact it has had on his life.
During the episode aired on December 15, 2023, McKenna, 48, described a breakdown he experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, stating, “I have bipolar disorder… I’m doing good right now. Hasn’t always been the case, but I’m good right now.” He acknowledged that he had previously struggled with alcohol and drug issues, highlighting the complexity of his mental health journey.
Unpacking the Diagnosis
McKenna explained that his symptoms differ from those of his General Hospital co-star, Benard, who also has a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. “Our journey is different, and my symptoms are different than yours,” he noted. Reflecting on his past, McKenna shared that he experienced his first breakdown as a teenager and lived undiagnosed for many years. “I lived my whole life with this disorder undiagnosed… It’s fascinating in retrospect,” he said.
The actor recounted how his mental health declined significantly during the pandemic, leading to a serious episode that required hospitalization. It was during this time that he received his diagnosis. “That’s when I finally got the diagnosis. And this is just a few years ago, at the end of COVID, that I needed my whole life,” he explained. Since then, McKenna has been on medication, specifically lithium, which has helped stabilize his condition.
Understanding Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder, as described by the Mayo Clinic, is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). The clinic notes that symptoms can vary widely among individuals and may change over time. Diagnosis often occurs in late adolescence or early adulthood.
In his candid discussion, McKenna also reflected on his early acting career, starting at the age of seven, and his significant role in One Life to Live at just 12 years old. He recalled the challenges of being a young actor involved in adult storylines, sharing an anecdote about his first kiss with a 20-year-old actress while he was only 15. After facing challenges in his career, he opted to return to high school to have a more typical teenage experience.
Maurice Benard, who hosts the podcast, publicly shared his own experiences with bipolar disorder in 2000. In a prior interview, he revealed that he hesitated to speak about his condition due to fears it would affect his career. Benard has detailed his struggles with anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and manic episodes in his memoir, “Nothing General About It.” He emphasized the importance of vulnerability in sharing his story, particularly during the audiobook recording where he found himself emotional.
For those struggling with mental health, help is available. Individuals can reach out by calling or texting 988 or visiting 988lifeline.org for support.
