Yesterday news broke about one of the members of the infamous Linkin Park Band, Chester Bennington, committed suicide. There was much discussion about how the family should have known and prevented it from happening.

According to People Magazine, "Bennington had struggled with drugs and alcohol for years, and had said in the past that he had considered committing suicide before. He leaves behind his wife and six children."

One of the things that came to mind was how I was treated when I took my son into the emergency because he was thretening suicide after a really crap year, a new diagnosis, and a breakup. The staff accused me of being a "meddler" and I was treated as if I was a threat to him as I was asked to leave the room so that a social worker could question him.

I am sad that Chester Bennington took his life and that he was i so much pain that a permanent solution was his answer. As a survivor of a parent who committed suicide I thought of his children who will be robbed of the experiences with him. I then thought of his wife and what may she be accused of as a result of his death?

As a caregiver I understand what its like to be under the glass when a loved one is in crisis. I understand the impact stigma has on our families both in the medical community and in society.

What are your experiences with a loved one who has been suicidal? Have you been afraid to talk to others about it for fear of being blammed? Has the thought crossed your mind of not taking a loved one to the hospital if they are suicidal?