Daily Updates

General Hospital Update for Friday, 14-Jul-2006

Today's episode zeroes in on a dire mental Health issue and substance abuse. Sonny plays the role of a frightened,agitated man as Emily helps him to face his demons. With Emily's encouragement, a tormented Sonny keeps his promise and goes to see Laney for his first therapeutic meeting. This session takes courage ,but finally he seeks, rather reluctantly, the professional help he needs. Why will people seek help for a broken leg,but refuse to get help for mental illness? Perhaps, General Hospital's story will give hope to others who battle daily with this emotional pain.In the meantime, an addled Lucky is honored at a ceremony for the apprehension and killing of Manny, the villain of Port Charles. Before he is to receive this medal of Honor, he seeks Maxie's help once again.He needs the painkiller he's been taking very badly.He's truly addicted. An angry Maxie taunts him and holds the pills, perhaps oxycontin, as bait while they struggle on the pier. Unfortunately, the pills fall into the water, and Lucky grabs the shaking Maxie. For some reason, these two kiss, while Elizabeth and the others wait for their hero to make his grand entrance.OUCH!Another story to pursue...
Emily tells Jason that he and Carly have enabled Sonny all these years without helping him to seek treatment for this treatable illness. Carly and Jason have enabled Sonny ,and Ric has used profound moves to get Sonny to seek help.
When Sonny does have his first session with Laney, the sharp psychiatrist, he discusses his trying to please his step father who would punish him for" being imperfect". When a school bully sprayed ink on Sonny's school uniform ,he retaliated by beating him to a pulp.Then, he caught more punishment at home. IT was a cycle of abuse that affected Sonny immensely. Sonny said: " IT was like falling into a bottomless pit, and you could not get out" Sonny says most profoundly: "I want it to stop." Hopefully, this is the first important step in Sonny's treatment. However, he must take the initiative to work with the doctor on behavior modification,etc. Also, medication may help him to cope. At least, it is a major beginning for Sonny . His therapy will take time, and perhaps, those who love him will let the doc treat him with her expertise .THe good news is that Bipolar disorders can be dealt with successfully with the proper care. Way to go General Hospital! Tune in on Monday to follow Sonny's trip through his painful,childhood , adulthood,etc.