Remembering And Honoring Avicii’s Legacy With His Father

Swedish musician Tim Bergling, better known as Avicii, left thousands of fans saddened by his untimely passing a year ago.  The 28-year-old musician was known for creating popular tracks like “Wake Me Up,” “Levels,” and “Without You.” Avicii battled mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression, along with substance abuse, for many years before eventually losing his battle with suicide. Avicii’s father recently spoke out about his son’s battle with anxiety and depression, and he has started a foundation for suicide prevention in his son’s honor.

Avicii’s Father Speaks Out

A year after his death, Avicii’s father, Klas Bergling, opened up about his son. In his first U.S. interview with CBS This Morning with Anthony Mason, Bergling reveals how he wants his son to be remembered. He admits he wants his son “to be remembered as good person, as a good producer.” He noted his son was a kind-hearted soul reflecting on his love of music in Sweden. He also answered questions about his young son’s talent and fascination with music.

His father noted signs of anxiety when Avicii was a teen. He recalled his son not feeling well, admitting having taken him to a psychiatrist around 14 or 15 years old. Later, once his son became more successful in his career, Klas Bergling managed his son’s career. During his career, Avicii began questioning life, happiness, and meaning. In some cases, close friends believed he suffered an existential crisis as he searched for meaning. Reflecting on the 250 shows Avicii would perform yearly, his father commended his son’s determination and drive. Like fans, Klas was shocked upon his son’s suicide and struggles with the loss of his son.

Ending The Stigma On Mental Illness

Despite Tim’s battle with anxiety and depression, his father witnessed him improve his life in small strides. At one point, he discusses his son’s attempts to get healthy by exercising, and his father believed he was on the right path. Since then, Klas has started a foundation in his son’s honor. In June, Avicii’s mother and father released an album, with most of the proceeds going to the foundation. His aim is to end the stigma individuals face who battle anxiety, depression, and suicide. He hopes to encourage open communication and reduce the stigma from mental illness. He hopes Avicii fans enduring similar conditions talk about it and courageously ask for help.

There is a strong connection between anxiety, depression and substance abuse plaguing thousands. Symptoms like expecting the worse of outcomes, insomnia, nausea, sweating and nervousness are helpful to identify for anxiety prevention. As a result, individuals can develop unhealthy coping mechanisms that can greatly impact their physical, mental, social and emotional health.

Last Updated:

Author

Krystina Murray

Photo of Krystina Murray
  • Krystina Murray has received a B.A. in English at Georgia State University, has over 5 years of professional writing and editing experience, and over 15 years of overall writing experience. She enjoys traveling, fitness, crafting, and spreading awareness of addiction recovery to help people transform their lives.

  • More from Krystina Murray

Sources