A special radio broadcast featuring a star-studded lineup of major rock and alternative artists kicked off National Suicide Prevention Week today. The artists include Skillet, Disturbed, and Blink 182. The broadcast, under the initiative I’m Listening, aired on over 230 radio stations owned by Entercom, as well as on radio.com, where you can stream the broadcast. You can find out more at ImListening.org.
Skillet’s John Cooper shared earlier this week with Billboard about why he chose to get involved, a choice that was inspired by Chester Bennington. “I was really down after he died by suicide and I spent significant time researching depression online,” he explains. That research would inspire Cooper in the lyrics he wrote for the band’s latest album Victorious as well. “The lyrics on [“Victorious”] in particular… I wanted to help anyone who may have felt similar feelings– and send a message of hope. As a band we’ve always been about motivational messages.”
The show also featured callers who shared their own stories of dealing with suicidal ideation, in their own lives or those of their loved ones. The I’m Listening broadcast shared crisis resources as well.
If you need immediate support, you can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting 741741 (US), 686868 (Canada), or 85258 (the United Kingdom). You can also call 800-273-8255 for 24/7 support.
Rock On Purpose 