Talinda Bennington Rallies For Fans To Talk About Why Mental Health Is So Important To Them

Since the devastating passing of Linkin Park legend Chester Bennington in 2017, Talinda Bennington has been hard at work co-founding 320 Changes Direction and doing some incredible things to promote a change in culture surrounding mental health.

And, as part of that, Talinda has currently been rallying for fans to upload their own 30-second stories as part of the A Week To Change Direction campaign, in the hope that the videos go viral and the message is spread even wider.

"I'm so excited for this week – it's A Week To Change Direction," she says in a new video on Instagram. "I challenge you to do a 30-second video on why mental health is important to you. For me, it's very personal, and I've dedicated my life to change the culture surrounding mental health. So with your video, please don't forget to post #ChangeDirection. Can't wait to see what you guys have to say!"

The full caption reads: "Here’s my goal… I want to see A Week To Change Direction videos go viral! Imagine if each one of us got two people to do the challenge?! I’m talking ‘Ice Bucket Challenge’ big! It’s super fun and a great way to directly help change the culture surrounding our mental health. Don’t forgot include the hashtag- #changedirection & #320changesdirection. Tag your friends that you challenge! I’ll repost the most unique (and slightly crazy) ones!! Let’s do this #LPFamily and #makechesterproud I challenge @la_co_fire_department_1 @maroengel and @lisalingstagram @tedstryker @kroq @mrjoehahn @heidihahn @m_shinoda @phoenixlp"

When the initial week-long campaign was announced, Barbara Van Dahlen, Ph.D., Founder, and President of Give an Hour, said: “Mental health disorders are increasing in every country around the world and are expected to cost the global economy $16 trillion by 2030. While we are beginning to see a shift in perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors, there is much more that needs to be done to save lives and resources. We are honored to host the first-ever globally-coordinated week-long effort focused on changing the way we think about, talk about and address mental health, emotional well-being and mental illness.”

As well as the aforementioned videos, 320 Changes Direction have encouraged participants in the campaign to educate those around them on the Five Signs Of Emotional Suffering: personality change, agitation, withdrawal, poor self-care, and hopelessness.

Be sure to get involved, and find out more information at Changedirection.org.

Read this next:

• Chester’s wife Talinda Bennington, mother Susan Eubanks and sister Tobi Knehr speak of their love and loss
• Rise Against's Tim McIlrath reflects on fallen friends Chester Bennington and Chris Cornell
• Linkin Park: The inside story of Minutes To Midnight