By Katy Siwirski Do you have a loss of interest or pleasure in your activities? Do you have trouble sleeping at night, leaving yourself constantly exhausted? Do you have trouble concentrating, or thoughts of suicide? If you experience these symptoms on most days for 2 weeks or longer, you may be suf...

By Katy Siwirski

Do you have a loss of interest or pleasure in your activities? Do you have trouble sleeping at night, leaving yourself constantly exhausted? Do you have trouble concentrating, or thoughts of suicide? If you experience these symptoms on most days for 2 weeks or longer, you may be suffering from some type of depression. Depression is real and should not be brushed off like a gathering pile of dust on the floor. It has recently shown controversy within music industry. Singer Chester Bennington from the American rock band Linkin Park recently committed suicide. Chester suffered from depression for many years, and was not afraid to express those feelings in his lyrics, “And I know, I may end up failing too. But I know you were just like me with someone disappointed in you.” Other lyrics include, “I tried so hard and got so far. But, in the end, it doesn’t even matter.” Linkin Park recently put out new music that expressed a transition in sound and emotion. Bennington sings, “I keep dragging around what’s bringing me down. If I just let go, I’d be set free. I’m holding on, why is everything so heavy?” Is this a cry for attention, or is this a sign that he’s ready to end his depression forever? People tend to think that celebrity lives are high and mighty. That is not always the case. Celebrities are normal people, just like you and me. They go out shopping with friends, and hang out at local coffee shops. They suffer from physical and mental illnesses, just like everyone else. Bennington was a beautiful musician with amazing talents, whom suffered a long stream of depression. His death should be a sign for us to pay attention to these signs and symptoms. There is no shame in seeking help to find your true happiness within. You are not along in this fight, there are many others who suffer from the same illness. Depression can be fought through various forms of therapy and medication. Writing and journaling is a strong method for expressing feelings, too. Chester took advantage of this technique with his powerful lyrics. Do not be afraid to ask for help, because somebody else out there knows exactly what you are going through. Even at the worst points of suffering, you can always bring yourself back to reality. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, call the 24 hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.