Mental Health Becomes A Cause For Concern In Port Charles

In advance of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, GH started the storyline activism by addressing the state of mind of three characters. In the first couple of weeks of April, Tracy, Sonny and even Nina have either been confronted with the need to see a mental health professional, questioned about taking their medication and exhibiting erratic behavior. 

At her recent check-up with Dr. Terry, Tracy fears she may be ill because of symptoms that include cold extremities and lethargy. Dr. Terry explains that her blood work is within the normal ranges, but suggests a referral to Dr. Collins for depression. Of course, Tracy is offended at the implication and declares “I am depressed and I do not need a shrink,” but ultimately admits that she has been dealing with a significant amount of loss, to which Dr. Terry points out that the amount and frequency of the losses would be difficult for anyone, even Tracy. Dr. Terry suggests that at the very least Tracy should spend time with others and get out for some exercise, so Tracy drops in a very shirtless Cody. Her intentions are related to reinvigorating her passion for horseback riding to lift her spirits, but the surprising encounter leaves Tracy momentarily speechless, confused and livened up. Mission accomplished!

Meanwhile a few days after Jason’s public reintegration to Port Charles, he and Carly have a confrontation with Sonny that leaves them baffled. Later Jason questions whether Sonny is taking his meds, which sets Sonny off and declares he isn’t a child. Sonny’s behavior is troublesome to his daughter and others as the days go on, so Jason decides Sonny isn’t fit to run things and he’ll have to take over. However, is the problem that Sonny isn’t taking his medications? Could the dosage need adjusting? Or is Ava pulling the strings and pouring the poison to control Sonny?

The inclusion of Sonny’s mental health storyline has been an important aspect of the character for Maurice Bernard who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at a young age. He and GH made the conscious decision to have his mental health written into his on-screen character several years ago, and he discussed his advocacy with ABC7 Eyewitness News in May of 2022. For conversations and insights from Bernard and his colleagues on mental health issues and advocacy, viewers can tune in to the State Of Mind with Maurice Benard, a podcast that promotes the importance of speaking about every aspect of mental health.

Nina’s behavior has become more desperate and erratic than ever after her attempts to get back in the good graces of Willow and Michael fail. These developments and a frantic mental state lead an unexpected and unsolicited new scheme of recruiting old foe Drew to her side. Her attempts appear to work as she and Drew end up form an alliance that is celebrated with a liaison. Perhaps if Nina had someone who really cared about her, someone would realize she needs professional help? Maybe she should be sharing that psych ward room with Heather Webber?

The mental health storylines are ramping up the juicy storylines on GH, but more than just entertainment they may actually be helping people IRL. Visibility, awareness and discussions about the struggles of mental health can be beneficial and seeing that on one’s favorite soap could be transformative, so it’s wonderful that GH continues to be a show of advocacy all these years later. 

Mental Health Awareness Month (Wed, May 1, 2024 – Fri, May 31, 2024), for more information visit https://www.mhanational.org/mental-health-month.