Chester Bennington discusses his depression in 'final' interview: 'I can either just give up and f*cking die or I can fight'
'Just getting up in the morning...was a struggle for me'
An interview thought to be Chester Bennington's very last before he committed suicide has been published, a poignant and tragic read that suggests the Linkin Park singer had actually turned a corner when it came to his depression.
Obtained by The Mirror and conducted by Will Lavin, the interview sees Bennington insist: "I came to a point in my life where I was like, 'I can either just give up and fucking die or I can fucking fight for what I want.' And I chose to fight for what I wanted."
He talks about having come through the "darkest time" in his life, the band's latest record proving "therapeutic" for him and containing a "hopefulness" and sense of "moving forward".
Bennington discusses how the album, One More Light, coupled with therapy, helped him move past his "demons" and accept that life may not always be perfect.
It stands as a stark reminder that depression is a tough, resilient beast and that people can be saying one thing outwardly and feeling another internally.
Chester Bennington dead: Linkin Park singer remembered
Show all 14Bennington mentions the feelings he'd been struggling with, including not even wanting to get out of bed in the morning feeling like "the world is full of shit".
Tributes have poured in for the singer from rappers and rockers alike over the past day (including fellow nu metal architect Fred Durst), Bennington's body having been discovered at his home near LA on Thursday morning.
Linkin Park DJ Joe Hahn headed there on Thursday afternoon, while guitarist Mike Shinoda tweeted: "Shocked and heartbroken, but it's true. An official statement will come out as soon as we have one."
Whatever you’re going through, you can call Samaritans free any time on 116 123 (this number will not appear on your phone bill), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find details of your nearest branch.
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