There's something very inspirational about a person, celebrity or not, deciding to talk openly about mental illness. Every time I see Maurice doing an educational campaign about bipolar disorder or an informative interview about how to get help, I think of the guts it took for him to go out on a limb like that. After all, it's no secret that mental illness is a taboo topic.

"To anyone that is manic depressive, don't give up!" Imagine being laughed at during a speech at a televised awards show? These were the words Maurice spoke as an inspiration to others and resulted in his decision to actively become a spokesman for mental illness. The reaction he received from the audience is not unusual for someone talking about mental illness. It is a topic that can make people uncomfortable and judgmental. Where people are made fun of and are discriminated against.

What I admire about Maurice is that he has revealed a very personal story, one of pain and struggle, but also a battle that has been fought with courage and dignity. Maurice's story could be told by millions of other families. But, what makes his role unique is that he is in the public eye. He has chosen to use his exposure as an opportunity to help others. He has taken the risk of being denied job offers, of being labeled "crazy" in an industry that likes to typecast actors. He has taken the chance of being denied roles or possibly his future career as an actor. But Maurice has told his story because he knows he can reach out and help others. He can encourage people to seek treatment. He can educate the public. He can show by example that people with mental illness can lead a normal and successful life. He is a role model and inspiration.

There has been mention of the character of Sonny Corinthos having bipolar disorder. It is something that Maurice has suggested to be incorporated into the writing of the show. Again, that is such a gutsy position. Why would a person who has suffered pain and despair want to portray their past again? And so openly? It is a tribute to Maurice that he would be willing to do this. But he has stated so many times that he wants to educate, inform, and help others suffering from mental illness. Because of the format of daytime television, it would probably be unlikely that they would be able to portray bipolar disorder with much accuracy. But perhaps there could be a television movie about Maurice's story where he was able to triumph in the face of adversity. After all, it would have a happy Hollywood ending: Maurice Benard is making a difference

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