Reducing mental health stigma in the wake of Keith Flint’s death

The Prodigy front man passed away early Monday (4 March) morning with his bandmate later confirming he died by suicide.

It is with deepest shock and sadness that we can confirm the death of our brother and best friend Keith Flint. A true pioneer, innovator and legend. He will be forever missed.
We thank you for respecting the privacy of all concerned at this time. pic.twitter.com/nQ3Ictjj7t

— The Prodigy (@the_prodigy) March 4, 2019

Keith Flint was well-known for being the lead singer in The Prodigy heard on tracks like Firestarter and Breathe.

The 49-year-old was a legend in his own right combining punk and rave music to create hits that had parents everywhere shouting at their kids to turn it down.

Writing for The Guardian in 2009, Keith described himself as “volatile, up-tempo, quick to react and passionate”, qualities which made him one of the most entertaining frontmen of the last 50 years.

In the wake of his death there is a wider conversation about mental health and the stigma that surrounds it.

STIGMA

Keith was outspoken about his struggle with addiction, depression and spoke openly about sometimes feeling suicidal.

Shortly after his death fellow Prodigy member Liam Howlett confirmed in an Instagram post that Keith died by suicide.

Friends and fans of the frontman are now speaking out on the need to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and start a conversation.

Obviously the sad, sad passing of Keith Flint will bring mental health in the music industry back into the limelight, and rightly so. Check up on your mates, talk to them, ask them how they're doing. Make sure they know you're there to support them, you might just save a life ❤️

— NLMT (@NLMTmusic) March 4, 2019

It is estimated that one in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem every year.

Mental health in the music industry has been in the spotlight over the last few years with charities like Music Minds Matter providing support and a helpline for musicians struggling with mental health problems.

CONVERSATION

In the wake of Keith’s death the conversation on mental health has to last longer than tributes to the singer.

We are so sorry to hear of the passing of@the_prodigy frontman Keith Flint. If you are struggling or know someone who might be, please seek help. Here is some advice from @mentalhealth on where and how to do so:https://t.co/nvUzGIZghH pic.twitter.com/uG3TnSwJQb

— MHF Live (@mhfliveuk) March 5, 2019

You can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health by being part of this conversation. Telling your own story, supporting a friend or simply sharing facts about mental health on social media can help make a change.

For more ideas on how you can get involved click here.

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health there is help available.

Samaritans
Call: 116 123
Email: jo@samaritans.org

CALM
Call: 0800 58 58 58
Chat: www.thecalmzone.net/help/webchat/

SAMH

Mind
Call: 0333 123 3393
Text: 86463

Help us start a conversation about mental health on Twitter and Instagram.