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Avicii's Family Releases a Statement About His Mental Health

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Swedish EDM DJ Avicii died last Friday at the age of 28. While the exact cause of death has not been released, Avicii’s family shared a statement on Thursday alluding to the popular DJ’s mental health.

The statement, translated from Swedish, reads as follows:

Stockholm, 26 April 2018

Our beloved Tim was a seeker, a fragile artistic soul searching for answers to existential questions.

An over-achieving perfectionist who travelled and worked hard at a pace that led to extreme stress.

When he stopped touring, he wanted to find a balance in life to be happy and be able to do what he loved most – music.

He really struggled with thoughts about Meaning, Life, Happiness.

He could not go on any longer.

He wanted to find peace.

Tim was not made for the business machine he found himself in; he was a sensitive guy who loved his fans but shunned the spotlight.

Tim, you will forever be loved and sadly missed.

The person you were and your music will keep your memory alive.We love you,

Your family

Avicii described himself as an “introverted person” in a letter announcing his decision to stop touring in 2016. “It was always very hard for me. I took on board too much negative energy, I think,” he said. He also struggled with his physical health. In 2014, Avicii had his gallbladder and appendix removed and had been diagnosed with acute pancreatitis due in part to excessive alcohol consumption.

It is unclear whether his death has been ruled a suicide, but his family’s statement does imply he was struggling with his mental health.

If this news is hard for you, know you are not alone — and there is help for people who are feeling suicidal. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text “START” to 741-741Head here for a list of crisis centers around the world.

Image via Wikimedia Commons

Originally published: April 26, 2018
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