After DJ Stephen 'tWitch' Boss died earlier this week from suicide, Christian performer Kirk Franklin is urging people to check on one another.
"I wanted to do this video to send out my heartfelt condolences to Stephen 'tWitch' Boss's family," says Franklin in a video on Instagram. "It's really heartbreaking."
Boss was a contestant on So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD) before he moved on to become a guest judge. He's also known for being Ellen Degeneres' DJ on her long-time day series Ellen.
Franklin opens up in the video about his own mental health battles.
"If you followed me, you know I've been very honest about my moments, with depression and anxiety, and I'm going to tell you what really helps me."
Other public Christian figures have opened up previously about battling severe depression and thoughts of suicide, including Mandisa and Lecrae.
"What really helps me, especially during the holiday season is the community around me that knows me, that knows what I go through, they check on me. They ask me real questions."
Franklin encourages people to check on their loved ones, including during any holiday season.
"I encourage you, get on people's nerves. Ask them how their doing, and ask them about their thoughts. Don't be afraid to be intrusive. It's a beautiful thing when people get on my nerves. It makes a difference that you cannot imagine."
Boss had a wife whom he met on SYTYCD, and together they have three young children. Just two days before he died, he posted this video.
People in mental health distress can call Talk Suicide Canada at 1-833-456-4566.
Fri, Apr 19, 4:00 PM
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