Nathan Dean, an actor known for his role in the long-running soap opera “General Hospital,” has candidly shared his experiences with mental health in a recent episode of Maurice Benard’s podcast, *State of Mind*. During the conversation, which aired on April 12, Dean reflected on the tragic death of his younger brother, Jared, who took his own life in 2018. The timing of this discussion aligns with World Semicolon Day, aimed at raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention.
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Jared Dean was just 28 years old when he passed away, and Nathan revealed that he was caught completely off guard by his brother’s struggles. “He waited two weeks after my mum’s birthday just so he could have a happy birthday with her and then… he drove to Fort Hood and shot himself in the face. There was no lead-up to it,” he shared during the podcast. The profound impact of losing his brother was compounded by Nathan’s own battles with mental health, leaving him grappling with feelings of confusion and guilt.
“I had struggled with mental health for decades. I never imagined that my little brother was going through the same thing,” he admitted. Unfortunately, Jared was adept at hiding his inner turmoil, which Nathan described as a significant barrier in recognising the signs of distress. “I think that’s the biggest problem with mental health. Until the individual can actually access the problem… it’s just unknown,” Dean lamented.
Throughout the podcast, host Maurice Benard emphasised the importance of discussing mental health openly, suggesting that such conversations could encourage others to seek help. “It’s conversations like this that need to be had all the time… not only for us, but for whoever is out there going, ‘Now I can talk,’” he stated.
The episode also touched upon another personal loss for Dean—the passing of his former co-star from “General Hospital,” Anthony Geary. Geary died in December 2025 after complications from surgery. Reflecting on their bond, Nathan said, “I left the show about six years before he retired. In those years, I would fly out to Amsterdam, hang out with him and Claudio [Gama]. They were like my European family.”
Dean described the initial reaction to Geary’s death, noting the disorientation that often accompanies grief. “I didn’t really know what to do with that information,” he confessed, drawing a parallel between the loss of Geary and that of his brother. “Are we ever supposed to know what to do with death? It’s an inevitable thing… but how do you then approach it?”
Despite the pain of loss, Nathan Dean has found ways to remain positive. He announced his eagerly anticipated return to “General Hospital,” where he will reprise his role as Ethan Lovett starting April 17. This role marks his comeback after a six-year hiatus from the show, having first appeared from 2009 to 2013, and made brief returns in 2015 and 2020 for pivotal storylines.
Dean expressed his excitement on social media, stating, “So excited to be back. I can’t wait to see some familiar friends and enemies, and make some new ones along the way.” Alongside his professional resurgence, Dean shared happier news about his personal life. He and his wife, Kate, are expecting their third child, a prospect he described as a blessing.
“I’m so lucky and blessed to have this wonderful woman in my life,” he remarked. “She made me whole. And I can’t wait to see where this journey goes.”
The discussions on mental health and personal loss throughout this episode of *State of Mind* serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of compassion and dialogue surrounding these topics. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, it is important to seek help. Resources are available 24/7 through services like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or via their website at 988lifeline.org.