Content warning ahead for mentions of suicide.
At the end of May, Sum 41 released a reimagined version of their track “Catching Fire,” which features nothing, nowhere. The track is a personal and emotional one, as singer/songwriter Deryck Whibley of Sum 41 wrote it for his wife Ari Whibley, after her suicide attempt in 2014. This is the first time that they’re speaking publicly about her suicide attempt and how it connects to “Catching Fire” for Mental Health Awareness Month, which was also in May. Sum 41 fans from all over the world helped create the music video for "Catching Fire," submitting stories about the loved ones that they've lost, and you can check it out below. The music video-turned-memorial is meant to shine light on suicide prevention and help break the stigma of speaking about mental health.
About the track, Whibley said “Writing this song was cathartic for me in dealing with my
emotions for the first time about almost losing my wife to suicide. When I first played it for her, it was the beginning of us having an open conversation about what she went through. In sharing her story, we are hoping to let others know they are not alone and that if you need help, there is no shame in saying so.” Featured artist nothing,nowhere. continues, "As someone who has had to deal with mental illness throughout my life - it was a no brainer when Deryck approached me to get on this song. I think it’s important to let those close to you know that you love them and that you are there for them unconditionally. I’m a lifelong Sum 41 fan and I’m honored to be a part of something like this." To learn more about the story behind “Catching Fire,” you can head over to People Magazine’s site to read the interview with Deryck and Ari Whibley about the healing process after her suicide attempt, and how much the song helped both of them here.
It might not be Mental Health Awareness Month anymore, but it’s always important to be able to have open communication between you and your loved ones in your life about your mental health, whether if you are simply struggling or dealing with a mental illness. Communication is key with every relationship you have - with your lover, your friends, your family, and yourself. Be honest to yourself about how you are feeling, and then with everyone else in your life. Seek healing in whatever way you can - I personally find peace in music, as Deryck and Ari found it in “Catching Fire.” There’s no doubt that the pandemic has been hard on all of us in some way, and while live music is slowly but surely making its return, it’s still hard. I’m personally still feeling very lonely, also while I struggle with mental illness myself, and what helps me the most through these feelings is music and talking to my loved ones - my friends and my family. Whether it be through a phone call or a text, they’re always there for me, and they know that I’m there for them if they need me. Distance makes things very challenging to handle mental health struggles and illness, but you are never alone, especially not now in 2021 - with all the technology we have, we have endless ways to connect, so if you’re struggling, reach out to someone. This life might be hard, but we can go through it together and stay alive for brighter times in the future.
If you or anyone you know needs help, you can check out the Suicide Prevention Lifeline site here, or call 1-800-273-8255.
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