Chester Bennington's Son Draven Shares Crucial Message For National Suicide Prevention Week

Each year a number of musicians, television and film stars record inspirational messages for National Suicide Prevention Week, encouraging those who are in despair to reach out before taking drastic measures. The recent suicides of Soundgarden's Chris Cornell and Linkin Park's Chester Bennington have left their families, friends and fans shaken to the core. Rather than staying silent, family members of both artists have stepped up and spoken out publicly, encouraging those at risk to seek help. This week, Chester's 15-year-old son Draven Bennington used his voice to try and help others.

"Hi, I'm Draven Bennington and I'm here on National Suicide Prevention Week. And I want to make a commitment that I will talk to someone before I hurt myself when I'm feeling depressed, sad or going through a hard week, month or year," he said. "I want to challenge you to do the same - to help yourself, not hurt yourself."

Draven wasn't the only one sharing his feelings. Bennington's wife of 12 years, Talinda Bennington, posted a video on Twitter showing the musician laughing with his family just hours before choosing to hang himself while home alone. The message makes it painfully clear that suicidal feelings and depression aren't always obvious. Instead they hide in the shadows and are often the one thing that those suffering either won't admit to or simply refuse to share. Many choose to suffer in silence rather than share their emotional burden with those they are closest to.

Perhaps the strongest messages for suicide prevention can only come from those who are left behind with a multitude of questions that will never be answered. Hopefully Draven's message will resonate with someone and prompt them to reach out for help before giving up.

Check out Chester Bennington's son's suicide prevention video below.

 

 

 

 

Tags : chester bennington linkin park Draven Bennington suicide prevention chris cornell