Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx has commended Gene Simmons for making a public apology regarding his recent remarks about suicide and depression.
Sixx was one of the first to criticize the KISS bassist for making insensitive comments about mental health issues during a recent interview where Simmons told sufferers of depression, “f*** you, then kill yourself”.
KISS are facing a ban by some radio stations in response to Simmons’ comments, and the hashtag #BanGene is trending on Twitter – read more details here.
Simmons has also shut down his Twitter account in the wake of intense public reaction to his remarks – learn more here.
“I wanted to take a moment to address the media that’s been picked up by everybody from Rolling Stone, Los Angeles Times, NME, Billboard and many more around Gene Simmons comments telling depressed people to kill themselves,” posted Sixx. “I also want to address and compliment Gene for publicly apologizing. That was 100% the right thing to do. This has turned into a bit of an anti-Gene Simmons bashathon and I don’t condone that nor do I support that radio stations across the country who are banning Kiss (the guys in the band didn’t do anything). Gene said something that has been addressed and maybe in a moment of bravado he was just being cocksure and pompous?”
“Out of everything in my life that’s has gone array, either from my own action’s or others, I try to learn a lesson,” Sixx continued. “There is good in everything. What I know is this. When people are listening we have an opportunity to pass along some valuable and positive information.”
“Since I have had my own struggle with addiction and depression, I have been exposed to both sides of the process,” he explained. “It’s not as simple as we are lowly addicts or morally incapable of pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps, doing the right thing or just snapping out of it. The process involves hard work and hopefully some form of a support team (family, friends etc) around you. That could mean therapy, rehab, 12 step programs or sometimes-even medication. It’s better than the alternative. Trust me.”
“So here are some stats I pulled for the uneducated and for anybody needing to know you’re not alone,” Sixx concluded. “Thanks for being proactive in bringing awareness.”
Depression stats
* 14.8 million American adults (6.7%) are affected by a major depressive disorder each year
* 1 in 10 Americans are affected by depression at one point in their life.
* Women are twice as likely to have depression and symptoms of depression
* People aged 45-64 have the highest percentage rate for depression. (4.6%)
* The most common age to start developing symptoms of depression is 32.
Suicide
* Depression is the cause of over two-thirds of reported suicides each year (20,000 a year)
* For every 2 homicides in the U.S., there are 3 suicides.
* Untreated depression is the #1 risk for suicide among youth.
* The death rate from suicide is higher than chronic liver disease, Alzheimer's, murder or hypertension.
Treatment
* 80% of people that have symptoms of clinical depression are not receiving any treatment
* The number of patients diagnosed with depression increases by about 20% each year.
* 60-80% of all depression cases can be effectively treated with therapy and medication.
* Depression causes $70 billion in medical costs and lost productivity each year.
See also:
Gene Simmons shuts down Twitter account after backlash to suicide comments
Ace Frehley to launch new album with New York in-store appearance
Gene Simmons issues apology over suicide comments following KISS backlash
KISS face radio ban following suicide comments by Gene Simmons
Search KISS at hennemusic
