CHESTER BENNINGTON

Time to Engage in an honest conversation. Those of us who have tasted depression and bipolar know how overpowering it can be. If someone famous and successful dies do our struggles even matter? Will anyone start talking about what's going here?

There's a long list of famous musicians, artists, actors that have committed suicide. Linkin Park's frontman is just the latest example. In the news for a few days and then back to the same 'ol same 'ol. He was depressed. Used drugs. Was abused. Left behind friends, family, fans, success. Sound like a familiar story?

Just the same shallow analysis we always hear. Wouldn't it be a breath of fresh air to discuss why this happens. Will silence and stigma always surround? I'm glad there will be donations and concerts trying to make a difference. But hasn't this happened before? What did it accomplish? Save some lives? I'm sure it did but isn't it time to aim a little higher and shoot for the stars. Incremental change is a failure. The was society deals with 'mental illness' is still in the dark ages in terms of fear and understanding. How many will suffer and die while society drags it feet.

My condolences to all the family, friends and fans and all the untold families and friends around the world who've dealt with this. I hope this time we can make a bigger difference.

http://www.ranker.com/list/famous-musicians-who-committed-suicide/celebrity-lists