Chris McKenna Opens Up About Bipolar Disorder and His Long Road to Diagnosis

General Hospital star Chris McKenna has shared a deeply personal story about his mental health for the first time.

The 48-year-old actor revealed that he has bipolar disorder and lived with the condition undiagnosed for nearly 30 years. McKenna made the disclosure in a preview of his December 21 appearance on the State of Mind podcast, hosted by fellow soap star Maurice Benard.

“I had my first breakdown when I was a teenager and then lived my whole life with this disorder undiagnosed,” McKenna said, reflecting on his early struggles. Looking back, he described the experience as “fascinating in retrospect.”

McKenna explained that he dealt with severe mood swings from a young age, including heavy cyclothymia, a rare mood disorder related to bipolar disorder. His mental health reached a crisis point during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Being stuck at home really started to do a number on my mental health,” he shared. During that time, he experienced his first dangerous depressive episode since his teens, followed by a manic psychotic episode that required hospitalization.

The actor, who joined the cast of General Hospital in February 2025, said this period forced him to finally take his mental health seriously. “That’s when I finally got my diagnosis that I needed my whole life,” he said, adding that he also began medication.

McKenna revealed that he was admitted to two mental health institutions after experiencing delusions, including believing he could read minds. Despite the severity of the situation, he described the experience as “really fascinating” and said he ultimately had a positive outcome.

He also noted that being an adult played a key role in his recovery, as he chose to admit himself. “They couldn’t keep me unless I signed myself in, and I signed myself in,” he said.

One moment that stayed with him was seeing the reaction of his wife, Lovisa McKenna. “I remember the look on my wife’s face of pride,” he recalled.

Podcast host Maurice Benard, who has long been open about his own bipolar disorder, acknowledged how difficult it can be to take that step. McKenna agreed, simply adding, “But I did it.”

By sharing his story, McKenna hopes to shed light on the realities of living with bipolar disorder and the importance of seeking help—even after years of silent struggle.