For twenty-five years Benard has played one of the most well-known characters on daytime television: General Hospital's Michael "Sonny" Corinthos, Jr. But at twenty, Maurice was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Here he describes how his bipolar disorder began to surface in childhood, how he struggled to understand the jolting mood swings he experienced, and how a doctor finally saved his life. For years Maurice was relentless in his goal to be a successful actor, grappling with terrifying lows, breakdowns, and setbacks, all while trying desperately to maintain his relationship with his wife, who endured his violent, unpredictable episodes. He describes how he learned to manage his manic episodes while on the set of GH, paying tribute to the community that has been there for him through thick and thin, and ruminating on the importance of both inherited and created family. -- adapted from publisher info