Chester BenningtonWhen someone who touches lives around the world with his voice and words for a living does something that many see as unconscionable like dying by suicide, it can tilt the world on its axis for many. Existence becomes foggy, and memories sometimes just hurt too fucking much to recall. Uncomfortable emotions fill us, and many are left unsure how to feel. Our emotions don’t make sense, but they remind us we are alive.
That was the state of things for many around the world when it was announced that Chester Bennington of Linkin Park had died by suicide on Thursday, July 20, 2017. The news sent many reeling – emotions ranged from devastation to sadness, anger to disappointment and judgment. How could the man that many had turned to for words of encouragement, for saving them in their own trials of darkness, for a sense of belonging when there was nowhere left to turn suddenly turn on himself? How could he abandon his post as icon and public feature? Didn’t he have anyone to talk to? He had it all – money, fame – what did he have to complain about? Did he not think of his family? His friends? His fans? And therein lies the problem.
Depression, mental illness, and addiction – all of which can lead to suicide – do not discriminate. They do not care who you are, what you do for a living, who you have in your life who may be counting on you, or how much money you have. They can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. And if you have dealt or are dealing with one of those things, please know you are not alone.
Statistically speaking, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in America, and on average, 121 people die by suicide every single day. Men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women, and the rate of suicides is higher for men of middle age. Suicide is an incredibly complex symptom of depression and mental illness (among other things), and unfortunately for us here in the music world, it’s one we are growing ever more aware of – and the statistics seem to become more and more real.
Chester BenningtonWith the sudden loss of Chris Cornell in May, and now with the passing of Chester Bennington, it is more important than ever to raise awareness for suicide and its prevention. Many people say things like, “If you need to talk to me, I am here.” And that’s all well and good. But, what people don’t realize is that suicide is largely silent – though one may show signs of being ready to die by suicide, it is rare that the person is in a state of mind to reach out themselves and ask for help. Fear of judgment, shame, and ridicule paralyze many of those contemplating suicide, leaving them silent. To place the responsibility of reaching out for help onto the plate of someone who is in that mindset is not an effective way to prevent him or her from dying by suicide.
Suicide prevention can only be successful when others know what an oncoming suicide attempt may look like – when they know what to look for, what signs someone may be giving that they are contemplating suicide. And we must give others the confidence and courage to act when they see or feel or hear something that their gut tells them is amiss. We must trust ourselves enough to know that when we see or feel or hear something, we need to say something – without fear of judgment. It honestly could save a life. We must remember that oftentimes suicide is not something that openly advertises. It happens in secret because we in this country seem to be so ashamed to talk about mental illness and what it looks like.
So, instead of raising awareness, we light candles when our beloved icons die by suicide.
Chester Bennington was not exactly quiet when it came to dealing with mental illness and addiction, and his lyrics paint pretty vivid portraits of the battles he fought with his demons. It’s not our job to dig into his words and pick out things he said that may point to one thing or another. So many of us have used his words to heal, and that’s what we must do in the wake of his passing. Each of us must remember that we never know what is going on behind someone’s smile, and we must not take one smile in a day of sadness as a sign that someone is okay. We have to do better, and this has to start with all of us.
As a society, we need to take care of each other. We need to see all of your faces in the crowds at shows, in the lines at merch tables, in the pit where you can leave it all behind. We all need to see you out there because the world needs you here, and Chester and Chris, and all of the other stars whose lights have dimmed far too soon would want to see you out there, also.
Chester BenningtonWe cannot speculate on the “why”s in times like these – the why is none of our business. We only can focus on what to do from here. And that’s when we do better. Look out for each other, don’t take threats of suicide as a joke, and by all means, please act if you feel the situation warrants it. Resources and crisis centers exist to help people, and we here at RockRevolt Magazine urge you to utilize these resources to help save yourself or someone else. Please, start here.
For many, Linkin Park was a first foray into NuMetal, and Chester was the first real emotive scream behind a mic that many of us experienced over the airwaves. It is those screams and that voice of hope through the pain that fans have clung to, and can still continue to reach for today. Chester Bennington left a catalog of musical healing for the masses. In the emotional turmoil over his loss, please do not forget the gifts he gave us all, the memories you may have of him, and his family who assuredly will be struggling more than any single one of us during this time.
He was one of the most iconic voices of our time, and while it may hurt to listen to right now, don’t let his passing take away the love and admiration you may have had for his work. His legacy will live on in his lyrics. He will always be a safe place for many of us to turn when we need a reminder that we, too, will find a place for our heads.
Chester BenningtonTake care of each other. The world needs you.
