News broke about the passing of an icon. Someone who positively impacted everyone they were ever in contact with. Chester Bennington of Linkin Park was found to of hung himself. "Artists are ppl compelled to bring beauty into a world that can be so dark. makes sense then that artists are always conscious of darkness..... & maybe at times made more vulnerable by it? i don't know. life can be relentless."-- Hayley Williams of Paramore. 

There is so much about this that doesn't feel real, and needs to be talked about. Chester was always someone who talked about reaching out when you need help. He was always there for those around him. The music  that he helped to create has influenced, and it impacted so many lives. He battled mental health problems such as depression and being abused for so long. I won't damn him I won't speak negatively about him or the choice he made. None of us know the battles he was fighting, none of us can even pretend to know what was going on in his head. 

 Mental health needs to be talked about. Depression needs to be talked about. Our society has put such a stigma around mental health, depression, and suicide that so many people are afraid to ask for the help that they need, or the help that they want.   We as a society need to be more open about our communication regarding mental health.  The truth is that everyone is battling issues that many of us have no idea about. But we need to be able to talk about these things. It's OK to not be OK. 

 You are not alone. Others have fought the same battles.  You are more important than you know. You are not replaceable.  Whether you realize it or not your life impacts others. 

 There are some amazing organizations out there to help you figure out what you're going through, to walk you through your problems, to listen without judging. Below are a few of the organizations that we have worked with and believe in the work that they do.  

To Write Love On Her Arms- They have been helping people deal with depression, self harm, addiction, and suicide for more than a decade. They have a list of phone numbers to call or text depending on your battle. And they've even made a database of help facilities. Check them out. https://twloha.com/find-help/local-resources/

 HeartSupport- Founded by August Burns Red frontman Jake Luhrs. They are working towards providing a community that is a safe space. A place where you can talk about your problems and not be scared. http://heartsupport.com/about/#story

 Hope For The Day- They are working on getting more open communication flowing around mental health. They are working towards getting rid of the stigma about mental health. http://www.hftd.org/

Remember. It's ok to not be ok. It's fine not being fine. You are not alone. There is help. There is light in the darkness. And you're story could save someone else.