Chester Bennington's Legacy Lives On Through Mental Health Awareness
Chester Bennington (1976-2017)
On this day three years ago, Linkin Park vocalist Chester Bennington committed suicide. He is gone, but his legacy to helping mental health lives on through 320 Changes Direction. Bennington vocalized his struggle with depression heavily within his music, and his widow Talinda continues his work through helping others.
Bennington’s former wife speaks about the motivation for this organization stating, “The idea for 320 was born out of my personal experience and the recognition that we need to do better to address the needs of those who are suffering from mental health concerns and addiction. For 13 years, I watched my husband Chester struggle with depression and substance use. I often felt scared and alone. I was uneducated about the challenges faced and I wanted information —but finding answers to my questions and available help for our family was very difficult.”
320 Changes Direction offers significant information for anyone living with mental illness or addiction. Learn about mental health, helpline contact info, events, and news from 320 Changes Direction. The people behind the site seem to understand that there are a lot of ways for a suicide person to reach out for help, they just have to find the right match. You just might find it here.
In honor of Chester, I encourage everyone to visit 320 Changes Direction today. Get help if you need it. Get informed if you have friends or family who need it. And if nothing else, do it to support Bennington and be a part of the normalization of mental illness as a treatable disease. Please help be the change.
Mental Health Resources:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1 (800)-273-8255