Writers write to contain the crazy. We are so chock full of emotions that if we don’t get them out on pen and paper (or keyboard and computer) we feel as though we might explode. Sometimes we have this overwhelming sense of urgency to write, just so we can feel sane again. That is why I am writing today.
I’m writing for you, to you, and with you for my crazy sake out of pure and utter sadness.
I’m writing with a heavy heart and tears in my eyes as I listen to Linkin Park and know that I will never be able to see them live or hear new music from them. Today I am writing for the lead singer, Chester Bennington, who committed suicide.
I grew up on Linkin Park. During my middle school and high school days when I was full of rage and hate, music seemed to be my only escape. Linkin Park was one of those bands that kept me sane. When I was feeling low and felt as though no one understood my pain, they did. When I wanted nothing more than just to escape this world, they stopped me and made me get back up and fight. When I was lost, they would find me. They were the friends that I could turn to when I didn’t think I had another else. To me, they were part of my saving grace.
With that, it hurts my heart when I hear about someone committing suicide. It doesn’t matter that Chester was famous or talented, he first and foremost was a person who was suffering and didn’t think he had another option. I don’t care who you are, what you have done or where you have come from, the idea that your life was not worth living for is heartbreaking.
Suicide should never be considered an option.
When it comes to your life, fighting for it should be the only option.
On bad days I know we all have the thoughts of what is the point? Is it worth it anymore to go through all this pain? Our past catches up with us and we question why we are even still here? When is it all going to get better? Trust me, I have been there. I have hurt. I have suffered. I have felt like I couldn’t survive. On my worst days I would barely be able to get out of bed, but then I realized I need something more in my life. Something to give me a reason to wake up every day and battle. Something to live for.
Life is not easy. Believe me, there is not one single person on this Earth that has a great day every day. We all struggle, we all suffer, we all hurt, but one thing is for sure. We all need each other to get by. So when you think that no one will miss you or no one will realize that you are gone, someone will. Your impact on this world is far greater than you will ever know. And if that doesn’t stop you, think about the person that is going to find your body. That should be impact enough for you to stop and look for help.
The sad lesson to be learned: There is always another option – suicide is not the answer. I know it may seem like the only choice, but I’m telling you that the fight is worth it. You have to keep going to find the good and if you aren’t capable of doing that on your own, ask for help. I know it might not come easy, but it doesn’t matter who you are, we all need help to get by in this world. You’re not needy and you’re not damaged by seeking help. In a moment of weakness, someone should be there for you to help to give you strength. If there is someone who is willing to help you out there, let them. Never stop fighting for your life. Remember, your life is worth living.
Please call the National Suicide Hotline (1-800-273-8255) if you are feeling like you have no where else to turn. You are worth more than you think.
Featured image via “Linkin Park | Montreal” by Kristina_Servant / CC BY 2.0
