Chester Bennington’s recent suicide, as well as the many before him, brings up the subject matter of suicide. Mental health is a topic that makes people feel uncomfortable, therefore many either ignore it or sugar coat it.

Those who commit suicide undoubtedly gave warning some subtle and other outright. For those who fall victim to their own unbalanced chemicals, emotions, thoughts, and feelings are mourned by the same family and friends who either didn’t recognize or ignored the pleas for help.

Linkin Park introduced me to punk rock with their debut album Hybrid Theory. I was instantly a fan and for many black people I know, Linkin Park was our first introduction to punk rock. I was instantly hooked, not only by the beats and vocals, but the lyrics were familiar thoughts.

Lyrics that brought feeling and understanding of depression, anger, rage, sadness, self-doubt, fear, and so much more. I do not know if Chester ever sought treatment for his personal emotional battles, but I do know many people do not seek help and chose to self-medicate. Bringing awareness to others about mental illness, suicide, and prevention is vital for saving lives.

In my major I learn about the stigmas surrounding mental illness and the various solutions different cultures and societies use to deal with mental illness. Most, if not all, are not solutions at all, but ways to give a false sense of security and shame those who suffer. Family members and friends who are religious might tell an individual to pray, fast, and attend church more often when depression occurs.

Others feel depression and other mental illnesses are a spirit that must be cast out. Growing up in a religious family it is always a good idea to “Give it to God, and don’t think about it” or “Girl, God got you, tell those demons to leave you alone”, then I was sprinkled with holy water and anointing oil, all of which did nothing. It is 2017, can we please stop telling those in need to pray. Mental illness can be caused by multiple things such as a chemical imbalance, a traumatic event, seasonal shift, the worries, and stress.

Refusing to ignore or place simple expectations on healing through prayer will not save your loved ones from suicide. It will only make them shut down in shame and increasingly reluctant to seek professional help. They will put on a fake persona just to get through and there is no way to just “be happy”. Not talking about it will only make the situation fester until it rears its suicidal head. Help the one’s you love by being a support system, tell them you love them as much as they need it, and encourage them to seek the help they need.

Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255