On July 20th of 2017, another legend lost his fight with depression and took his own life. Chester Bennington, the lead singer of the rock band Linkin Park, was very open about his struggles with depression and addiction of drugs and alcohol. He used his angst in these areas to pour his pain, and his joy, into the lyrics of the songs that Linkin Park produced. The band was instrumental in reaching millions of loyal fans with the relatable genuineness of Bennington’s voice. His anger, betrayal, and self-doubt that revolved around his upbringing, depression, and substance abuse authentically expressed his emotions through his beautiful melodies and fry screams.
A year after his death, Chester Bennington is still missed by his band, his fans, and more importantly his family. He was survived by his wife and six kids who were all left behind to pick up the pieces in the aftermath of his unfortunate suicide. Just a few months before he died, he had proudly watched his daughter graduate from college and was about to embark on a new tour with his bandmates promoting their newest album. Life seemed to be the best it had ever been for Bennington until he was devastated by the death of his best friend, Chris Cornell, who unexpectedly committed suicide in a hotel room in Detroit. Although he was extremely depressed about the death of his friend, no one could have guessed that Bennington would do the same.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states, “While suicide is undoubtedly a complex phenomenon with multiple and diverse causes, evidence accumulated over recent years suggests that one of these causes may be social learning. These “copycat” suicides are proposed to be caused at least in part by exposure to another individual’s suicide, for example through the imitation of suicidal behavior.” Suicide has been brought to the forefront of mental health issues in the last decade due in part to celebrities committing suicide and shows such as 13 Reasons Why on Netflix. Getting some clarity as to how to prevent suicide is important to be able to move on from the devastating blow that suicide causes.
In an open letter to Bennington on the Linkin Park website shortly after his death, the band had this to say which still rings true a year later: “We’re trying to remind ourselves that the demons who took you away from us were always part of the deal. After all, it was the way you sang about those demons that made everyone fall in love with you in the first place.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with drugs and alcohol, Serenity Oaks Wellness Center can help you to get sober. Our 12-Step aspects and holistic therapy combined can show you how to adorn your soul in recovery.
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