The writer of this post here, had suffered from depression and had even contemplated suicide in the past, when I was still in high school, even though I am now better than before, it still feels incredibly hurtful and insulting when I see insensitive comments regarding mental health, the worst are those who mocked and made mental health a joke. I am still reeling from the loss of Chester B, who committed suicide by hanging on 20 July, I know you will probably think it is very silly of me as I am just a fan, not his family or friend, but Linkin Park’s music, songs and Chester’s voice did help me get through high school, and some of the toughest years of my life, and their lyrics spoke to me so much, on so many levels. And I know I am not the only one, I cannot imagine how many other Linkin Park fans say the same…

The comments surrounding Chester’s suicide, I’ve seen some comments of the worst kind mocking both mental health and suicide, and others who criticized Chester for being very selfish and cowardly. While I cannot say anything to those who mocked, because I know they cannot be ‘converted’ unless they have actually experienced it themselves, but to those who think it was selfish of him to take the “cowardly way out”, I understand where you are coming from, after all, he had his family, his friends, and of course the rest of Linkin Park, however, I’d like to remind you that, NO ONE really knows what and how one another is truly thinking and feeling. I, myself, don’t even show how I’m truly thinking or feeling in front of my own family, or have you heard of the Japanese proverb that says we all have three faces; the first face you show to the world, the second you show to your close friends and family, and the third you never show anyone, the one which is the truest reflection of who you are. It is said that the happiest, funniest and most cheerful personalities that we see are always the saddest, some of the examples include the late Robin Williams (who committed suicide in 2014), and the British comedian and host- Stephen Fry, who was diagnosed and is living with cyclothymia, a form of bipolar disorder. So, do not let what you see deceive you, you may see them laughing and making jokes, but in reality, it could all just be a mask.

Also, we have no idea what Chester was thinking and feeling when he contemplated suicide, it may well be possible that he was already in the deep pit of despair, feeling so alone and lost that in his own mind, suicide became the only way out. That was how I felt back then, lost, alone, and ostracized, I count myself lucky because one of my best friends in high school realized that something’s not quite right with me, and so she rallied a couple of my other close friends, and they pulled me through, and I am forever thankful to them.

So, please do be aware, take care of those around you, tell anyone you love, or you care about, or you are very close to that you care what happens to them, and that you will be there for them and be their pillar of support. Talk to them, try to get them to open up to you, make them realize that they are not alone.

If you are the one who is feeling lost and alone and afraid, please, please talk to someone, anyone you trust, or if don’t mind talking to a stranger, I am here as well.