Together Tell The World #IAmTheChange & #MakeChesterProud

If you are one of Linkin Park’s fans, the hashtag #MakeChesterProud must be familiar to you. Yes, Mike Shinoda created that hashtag #MakeChesterProud last August to remember and to honor the vocalist, Chester Bennington, who died by suicide in July 2017. But, the hashtag #MakeChesterProud is not the only one. Chester Bennington’s wife, Talinda Bennington, also made another hashtag to remember him. It is #IAmTheChange, as part of her inititative to promote the better understanding about the issue of mental health to the world.

#320ChangesDirection

Talinda Bennington started her campaign in partnership with Give an Hour and Change Direction. It is called 320, after Chester Bennington’s birthday (yes, on March 20). Through this initiative, as written on the official website, Talinda wants to do two things. First, to streamline the access to the help that IS available. Second, to change the culture of mental health so that those in need – and their family members – are able to speak openly about their struggles so that they can seek the care they deserve. With 320, Talinda and partners will build a resource for friends and family members who are seeking answers to questions about mental health, mental illness and addiction – so that they can support the people in their lives who are suffering emotionally.

This initiative is so awesome. We are invited to join the initiative and make a difference with very simple ways. On Chester’s birthday, March 20, 2018, we are invited to post a selfie holding up our hand to show we know the signs. And what are the signs? (1) not feeling like you? (2) feeling agitated? (3) are you withdrawn? (4) caring for yourself? (5) feeling hopeless? These are the same signs you can see for your closed ones who are struggling with mental health issues. You are also invited to make pledge to know these five signs and learn the healthy habits.

#IAmTheChange #MakeChesterProud

As one of Linkin Park and Chester Bennington’s fans, I am so thankful for Talinda’s 320 initiative. I realize our society haven’t fully understood about the mental health issues. So many stigmas and judgements for those who are suffering in mental illness, that make them unwilling to seek for help they need the most. So, we should change and broaden our perspective. We need to help them to continue life and be better, with a sincere support and not the negative responses. The world should realize, we must act together to prevent suicide now. Suicide is the second highest cause of death in the world. It means, this issue requires our attention to be addressed. I am thankful and proud that Linkin Park’s family took the initiative to join the movement to end the stigmas.

From Official Instagram Into The Light Indonesia

As for myself, I wanna #MakeChesterProud with my commitment to continuosly promote mental health and suicide issues awareness, both personally and through community. Yes, I have joined a community that has a same vision, Into The Light Indonesia. Furthermore, I will take care for my own mental health, more seriously. Do not forget to do self-care, everytime I need it. We need to take care for ourselves first, before we take care for others – so we can effectively help them.

Let’s be the change to mental health issues. Let’s speak up to change and end the stigmas. Let’s care for each other more. Let’s be the support, let’s be the help. Let’s make the better world for all. Together, let’s tell the world #IamTheChange and #MakeChesterProud of it. Happy Birthday, Chester Bennington.