Heartfelt tributes for Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington surged on social media throughout the night, and along with these calls for stigma around mental health to come to end following confirmation his death was a suicide.
A Los Angeles County Coroner claimed Bennington, who achieved worldwide fame as the face of Linkin Park, had hanged himself, hours after being found in his California home on Thursday.
Bennington was said to be close to Chris Cornell, vocalist for Soundgarden, who in May also took his own life. Bennington died on what would have been Cornell's birthday.
Some of the social media posts drawing specific attention to stigma or lack of awareness around mental health came from high profile musicians and celebrities, and many others from ordinary people around the world in shock at news of his suicide.
Messages of condolences came from musicians and bands included Imagine Dragons, My Chemical Romance, Chance The Rapper, and many others shortly after the announcement.
Canadian sports broadcaster and professional wrestler Mauro Ranallo, a vocal advocate of raising awareness around mental health issues, spoke about how mental illness can affect anyone, irrespective of status. Ranallo was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age 19.
RIP Chester Bennington of Linkin Park. I do what I can to spread mental health awareness. WE ALL MUST DO MORE. #EnoughIsEnough 😢🙏
— Mauro Ranallo (@mauroranallo) July 20, 2017
Tears & social media messages aren't enough. I demand that all of us do more to raise mental health awareness. MORE RESOURCES. NOT LESS!
— Mauro Ranallo (@mauroranallo) July 20, 2017
MONEY,FAME. IT DOESN'T F@CKING MATTER! MENTAL ILLNESS CAN AFFECT EVERYONE. END THE STIGMA NOW. PLEASE, DO NOT SUFFER IN SILENCE! 🙏
— Mauro Ranallo (@mauroranallo) July 20, 2017
I have battled bipolar disorder for over 25 years. I REFUSE TO SUFFER IN SILENCE. It has saved my life. I WANT TO HELP SAVE YOURS!
— Mauro Ranallo (@mauroranallo) July 20, 2017
Other messages from around the world flowed throughout the night, many of which drew attention to mental health issues.
Mental Health needs more attention. This is sad. Whatever the case, RIP brother we love you Chester Bennington. This is for you. #LinkinPark pic.twitter.com/No24oqSCOB
— CompCop (@TheCompCop) July 20, 2017
Mental health is equally as important as physical health - stay vigilant on how you're feeling & seek help when too overwhelmed #linkinpark
— Fabian Donate (@fabiandonate) July 20, 2017
@linkinpark @phoenixlp @mikeshinoda @ChesterBe As some1 living with a mental health issue - THANK YOU for the new song "Heavy."💕It matters.
— Amanda Wilson (@awils91) February 19, 2017
Oh dear God. Massive R.I.P to Chester Bennington of @linkinpark this BREAKS OUR HEART. Suicide is the devil on earth walking amongst us 😞
— OneRepublic (@OneRepublic) July 20, 2017
'Crucial that people are educated'
About 300 million people worldwide of all ages experience depression, one mental health issue that is also the leading cause of disability worldwide, according to the South African Federation for Mental Health.
"It is therefore crucial that people are educated about depression, and that all sectors of society are encouraged to speak openly and honestly about their experiences and struggles. Depression can affect anyone regardless of age, race, gender or socioeconomic status," the federation said in a recent press release addressing depression in specific.
Depression doesn't care about age, race, gender or status. It doesn't discriminate. Let those you care for know that you're there for them.
— Nickelback (@Nickelback) July 20, 2017
There are also many other types of mental health issues including, but not limited to, anxiety disorders, bipolar and related disorders, neurocognitive disorders and many others.
For more information on mental health visit the Mental Health Information Centre SA webpage here or the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) webpage here.
If you are in South Africa, having suicidal thoughts and in need of urgent assistance, call the Suicide Crisis Line on 0800 567 567 or SMS 31393.
Visit the SADAG webpage for additional emergency contact numbers.
