The Jason Foster Project
To raise awareness about musicians battling depression, addiction and mental illness. Learn More
Recent Cause Activity
Jason was a brilliant musician starting back in High school when he idolized Vivian Campbell, we were very good friends and shared many great times and memories growing up, I am saddened by what i have seen drugs and depression do to gifted talented and kind people in the world we must always keep his great memories in our hearts and may he rest in peace with everlasting life upstairs....the world has lost a wonderful essence we can now call an angel........
This is very sad. I didn't really know Jason personally, but his guitar playing was one of the first things that jumped out at me the first time I saw Perfect Thyroid perform many years ago. My deepest condolences.
Dear Jason,
I just listened to Tiny Dancer and it made me cry. I miss you so much! You were such an incredible friend to me mate. In my heart you will remain.
Jason and I got to know each other as musicians in Kingston, NY. I hadn't seen him in over fifteen years but thought of him often because of his kindness and talent. He was a very interesting human being that I should have known better. I am very saddened to know that he is no longer among us. Musicians need the help of everyone to keep creating music and to keep to keep this from happening.
Jason was a great friend in high school. He was also an amazingly talented musician. My mother worked in the psych ward at the Benedictine hospital (right behind our high school) Frequently; kids would come up to me & say "hey i met your mother". These were usually not weird kids. More often then not they were very popular "cool" kids. As a musician; I've seen the damage drugs do to people in our world. They're readily available & often abused by musicians. And when you throw depression into that mix it makes for a very ugly situation. I wish I stayed in touch with Jason more as we grew older. Hopefully this cause can prevent other musicians from making the same mistakes.
I had no idea...
Jason was such a gentle man, I didn't know him well, but any time that our paths crossed I was always better for it. Recovery has kept me on the 'bright side' for many years now, for which I'm more grateful than ever.
I'm deeply saddened to learn Jason is no longer with us. I see the suffering caused by drug addiction and mental illness everyday. Aside from finishing my doctorate in clinical psychology I'm also training at the VA in the PTSD clinic - working with our combat veterans. Educating ourselves and helping to remove the stigma associated with seeking treatment for mental illness is extremely important.
R.I.P. Jason
Updated: The cause has reached 500 members.
I found this blog, which I thought was really great. Take a look:
http://sonicstorm.blogspot.com/2009/0...
I had shared a post days ago not sure what happened to it. But I suffer anxiety/depression and I am host to a few other not so nice disorders. These diseases/disorders have gripped my life beyond belief out of no where when I least expected it. With the support of my loving husband John (god only knows what he went through), my family and my Doctor, I am able to function and cope with life. Some moments seem tougher than others but we get through.
What I didn't and don't understand why this wasn't done sooner for me but maybe this information may help you or a loved one.
Vitamin D plays a big role in depression normal range is 20-100. This is determined through simple blood test, no fasting needed. My range was 19, NOT GOOD! We are taking care of this with Vitamin D supplements prescribed by my doctor. So if you know someone who is depressed, bipolar has anxiety or struggles with any of these demons, A simple blood test may help.
If anyone needs help or wants to chat , please know I'm here and know first hand what it is like to feel alone and hopeless in a room filled with loved ones!
R.I.P. Jason
~Corissa
I started my small independent record label to promote the music of a very gifted musician that happens to be high-functioning autistic with bipolar disorder, OCD, and dyscalculia. The struggles and difficulties are many, but it is well worth the effort to help this artist. A number of artists that were great musical influences have left this earth far too soon.
Thanks for coming together, and so fast!
In the last year, I have lost not only Jason, but two other (coincidentally?) INCREDIBLE guitar player friends. To Suicide. I was unaware of the level of depression they were experiencing, and I felt like the community would have stepped up had we known better. A group like this; an alternative avenue to turn down is a wonderful way to utilize eachother and this network. BIG UPS!!!
<3
Bobby, So wonderful that you started this cause. I hope many people learn from what you are sharing here as well as learning from one another.
Updated: The cause has reached 250 members.
This is my area, too. Bipolar took me out. Self medicating, drinking, fighting, and having sex were my response for years. Meds too but they only made my illness worse. I beat it all and have been med-free over 4 years now. So I teach it to others who are interested. That's the extremely short version. LOL
Glad to be here!
hey all, don't know why all of the previous comments have disappeared... sent an email to causes.com tech support about the problem...
I am not a musician, but I am someone who has battled depression my entire life. I used to medicate with alcohol, then with empty relationships, and most recently food. I am finally on medication, but even on medication there are still the ugly "depression demons' as I call them. THey sneak in when you least expect them. I think this is a wonderful cause. I hope it reaches many and is able to educate as well as prevent the stereotyping that accompanies being clinically depressed. Good job Bobby.
Updated: The cause has reached 100 members.
Updated: The cause has reached 50 members.
Updated: The cause has reached 25 members.
Updated: The cause has reached 10 members.
8 days ago
last time i was him we were in the hospital together passing the acoustic back and forth, always ahead of the game yet not quite particularly happy near the end. Sometimes life can really leave a cold spot where there was once warmth. High school friends, neighbors at one time , fans of each others music, and a shared problem that is never far behind you waiting to take the wheel when you don't want to drive................