What is it really like to live with bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety—and why are so many people still afraid to talk about it?

On this episode of State of Mind, Maurice Benard sits down with actress, model, and musician Léa Marcastel for an honest and deeply personal conversation about mental health, trauma, and healing. Together, they explore what it means to struggle with depression from a young age, feel misunderstood, and navigate the invisible weight of anxiety and emotional pain.

Léa Marcastel shares her journey growing up feeling invalidated, battling depression and suicidal thoughts, and eventually finding healing through therapy, journaling, meditation, and self awareness. The conversation also dives into addiction, including the hidden impact of marijuana use on mental health, and why substances that feel helpful at first can quietly become a crutch.

Maurice opens up about his own experience with bipolar disorder, the importance of staying ahead of mental health struggles, and why building daily habits like mindfulness, exercise, and emotional awareness can make all the difference. Together, they break down the stigma around mental illness and explain why talking openly about these challenges is one of the most powerful steps toward healing.

This episode covers:

Bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety
Therapy, journaling, and meditation for mental health
Addiction, marijuana use, and emotional dependency
Trauma, PTSD, and feeling disconnected from yourself
Building habits to stay mentally strong and grounded

If you have ever struggled with mental health, felt alone in your thoughts, or are looking for ways to better understand yourself or someone you love, this conversation is a reminder that you are not alone and that healing is possible.

*If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available.
Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or chat via 988lifeline.org.
Support is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

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State of Mind Production Team:
Host & Editorial: Maurice Benard
Executive Producer: Paula Benard
Director of Production & Video: Anthony Cammarata
Podcast Strategy Consultant: Aaron Calafato
Audio Consultant: Ken Wendt