To mark the birthday of the late Chester Bennington, his widow Talinda Bennington took the opportunity to spread awareness about mental illness.
The Linkin Park lead singer, who died by hanging in July 2017, would have turned 42-years-old on March 20. Bennington has taken to social media to urge fans to “learn the 5 signs of emotional suffering.”
Bennington is working to launch the Campaign to Change Direction — which highlights the signs of depression and encourages people to “lend a hand” to those suffering.
READ MORE: Linkin Park lead singer Chester Bennington dead at 41
She is calling upon fans to know the symptoms of depression and share “healthy habits of emotional well-being.”
“Thank you for your time and attention to this request,” she wrote in a message. “To honour Chester’s birthday, I have decided that 320 Changes Direction will do a call to action via social media. I’m asking you to promise to learn the Five Signs of Emotional Suffering and the Healthy Habits of Emotional Well-being.”
She continued: “I ask that you post a picture of yourself holding up your hand, which symbolizes you know the Five Signs. Write ‘I AM THE CHANGE’ on your hand and please use #320ChangesDirection. Because we are the CHANGE in our mental health culture. Every one of us is changing it by sharing your thoughts, offering support, and by simply being aware that we have our mental health to care for.”
READ MORE: Chester Bennington’s son shares video for National Suicide Prevention Week
She added that “the passing of my husband cannot be in vain. His passing was a catalyst for opening up dialogue with respect to emotional and mental health. Throughout his life, he saved countless lives with his music and philanthropy.”
“And through his death, he continues to save lives by spotlighting the urgent need for a change in our mental health culture. It’s up to us to change the way we think of mental health, to acknowledge that everyone has their own mental health to care for, and to end stigma and shame when we need to seek help for it,” Bennington concluded.
READ MORE: Chester Bennington’s widow shares son’s music
Many fans have taken to Twitter to share their support for the campaign.
If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help, resources are available. In case of an emergency, please call 911 for immediate help.
The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention, Depression Hurts and Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 all offer ways of getting help if you, or someone you know, may be suffering from mental health issues.