For years, mental health issues were taboo to talk about. I grew up in an age when you could not say the word "cancer." While people are now more open about cancer, many still feel a stigma about mental health issues. The latest daytime star to open up about his issues with depression is James Patrick Stuart (Valentin, "General Hospital").

He posted a short video on Instagram and talked about his own mental health problems. His video is part of the 320 Changes Direction initiative, which aims to end the stigma that's been linked to mental health.

The actor said: "I'm not an expert on mental health, but I'm also not a stranger to sadness and isolation and ... bouts of depression. I'm willing to confess to you that we are more willing to talk about physical fitness than we are our mental fitness."

Stuart continued: "And when I get into that place, I check in with myself. Have I been eating poorly? Am I not sleeping at all? Have I had too much screen time? And you know, I'll check in with a friend. And if I have to, I'll go talk to somebody. Those are the things that I'll do. And I also remember more than anything that feelings are not facts, and they tend to change.

Maurice Benard (Sonny, "General Hospital") has always been open about his struggle with bipolar disorder. He notes it is a tough road, but thanks to the understanding of his family, friends and workmates, coupled with medication, he has been able to live his life to the fullest.

I have dealt with depression since I was 24. In those days, it was considered a sin. You were not potty-trained correctly, or you hated your parents. In truth, it is a chemical imbalance. Psych medication is insulin for the brain. I think the best thing that ever happened to me was depression. With the right protocol, I am the person I want to be. Without it, I do not want to be me or be anywhere near me. Treatment has changed radically. A couple of pills a day and all is right in my emotional world. If I am dumb enough to stop taking it, a crash is just around the corner. By the way, depression is not not wanting to read a book or feeling low. Even on medication, there are "what a sucky day" moments. They are not happy pills.

Here is my inside look at what depression is like. You truly believe you and the world are better off without you. Yes, suicide is a symptom. Suicide is to clinical depression as a fever is to a virus.

At the height of my problem, I really did want to end it all. I could not sleep, eat, read a book, watch TV, talk to a friend. I had this feeling I called the sadness behind my eyes. I can never understand why I would have thought of suicide. Someone kills themselves and the world asks why; it is because they are depressed.

When I was a regular on TV, I insisted on giving speeches on life after and with depression. My TV station was not happy. I am the eternal people pleaser for them. To tell them "too bad" was difficult. I told my producers I was going to let people in on my issues. If they did not like it, they could fire me. I lasted another 35 years.

I cringe when Judge Judy asks a litigant if they are on medication for mental health. Give me a break. She has to know at least one person in her circle of friends or family who has dealt with the issue. If not, she is a majority of one.

The saddest thing about depression is the inability to seek help. In the worst time, I felt that if someone threw a life raft to a drowning me, I would not have the ability or desire to reach out for it.

Please, please get the help you need. If someone you know is in that quagmire, get them the help they need. It will most likely save their life and save the life of someone who has experienced a loved one killing themselves.

To find out more about Lynda Hirsch and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

Photo credit: Free-Photos at Pixabay