Breaking the Silence: "Can You Hear Me SOS? Help Me Put My Mind to Rest," Inspired by Avicii
This morning, I ran a 5k, with the soundtrack of Avicii blasting in my ears. As I jogged, I couldn’t help but think of his iconic tracks like Levels, Wake Me Up, and especially SOS—a song that still holds so much meaning. The opening lyrics of SOS hit hard, especially today: "Can you hear me SOS? Help me put my mind to rest." These words seem to capture the raw emotion Tim Bergling, known to the world as Avicii, expressed through his music. They also remind me of the pressures, internal struggles, and mind health battles that too many of us face in silence.
Tim’s rise to fame was meteoric. He quickly became one of the most well-known DJs in the world, with hits that captured the hearts of millions. His music connected people across the globe, resonating with listeners from all walks of life. But behind the scenes, the demands of the music industry took their toll on Tim. Despite his immense success, the pressure to constantly produce, perform, and please the world was suffocating. He eventually stepped away, reconnected with his health, and found joy in creating music again. “This is the happiest I’ve been making music in 5 years,” he said. It seemed like Tim was rediscovering balance and peace.
But despite his outward signs of recovery, Tim tragically ended his life at the age of 26 while on a trip in Oman. His death shook the world and left many wondering what more could have been done to help. For those who haven’t seen it, I strongly recommend the Netflix documentary Avicii: True Stories. It provides a candid, raw look into Tim’s life, his struggles, and the pressures that led to his tragic death. His story speaks volumes about the silent battles many of us face, particularly those of us in creative industries or high-pressure environments. Tim’s story reminds us that mental health struggles don’t always match what people show the world.
We often believe that success, fame, or wealth will bring happiness. Tim’s story proves otherwise. Despite his achievements, the pressure he faced took its toll, and he struggled to find balance. We’re all conditioned, in one way or another, to equate our worth with what we do and how much we give. Society encourages us to push harder, to produce more, to never stop. But this mindset leaves us unbalanced. We forget that our worth isn’t tied to what we can achieve. We forget that we, as individuals, are enough, regardless of the results we produce.
As I reflected on Avicii's life during my run, I thought about the truth behind his song SOS. The lyrics capture the urgent plea for help that so many of us are too afraid to voice: "Can you hear me SOS? Help me put my mind to rest."Those words ring so true in today’s world, where mental health struggles are still shrouded in shame and silence. Dark thoughts can come unexpectedly, and it’s easy to feel like there’s no way out when the pressure builds up over time. We don’t always know how to manage the overwhelming thoughts and emotions that bubble up.
But here's the truth: those thoughts are not who we are. We are not defined by the negative inner voices that tell us we’re not enough. The key is to learn how to manage those thoughts, to challenge them, and to reframe them. Negative thoughts, when left unchecked, can feel like an endless storm. But when we take control, we can release the pressure and reclaim our sense of balance. It's not about ignoring or suppressing the thoughts; it’s about recognizing them for what they are—temporary, often irrational, and certainly not the truth of who we are.
Men and Mind Health: Taking Responsibility
One of the hardest but most important realizations I’ve had is this: most of us men need to take more responsibility for our mind health. We’re conditioned to suppress our emotions, to keep pushing forward, to be strong, stoic, and invulnerable. The pressure to “man up” and “keep going” often leads us to ignore the signs that our mental health is suffering. But this is the very thing that perpetuates the crisis of male suicide. We have been taught that asking for help is a sign of weakness. But, in truth, vulnerability is strength.
It’s time to change that narrative. Mind health is not a luxury—it’s essential. The more we talk about it, the more we normalize the conversation, the more we’ll help reduce the stigma and shame associated with seeking help. Tim’s death is a painful reminder of the cost of silence. We need to be there for one another, especially for the men in our lives. We need to create a culture where it’s okay to check in, to share how we’re feeling, and to be vulnerable without fear of judgment.
We also need to shift the focus from what we achieve to who we are as individuals. We are human beings, not machines, and our worth is not measured by how much we can produce or how long we can go without rest. Success isn’t the be-all and end-all—it’s about finding joy, balance, and peace in our lives. It’s about living on our terms, not someone else’s.
Taking Action: How to Deal with Negative Thoughts
Negative thoughts can feel overpowering, but they don’t have to control us. Here are some helpful tips to manage them and find peace of mind:
Challenge Negative Thoughts: When a negative thought creeps in, ask yourself, Is this thought true? Often, we believe the worst about ourselves, but when we take a step back, we can recognize that these thoughts are not reality. Challenge them. Reframe them with positive, realistic affirmations.
Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. We are our own worst critics, but being hard on yourself only exacerbates the problem. Treat yourself with the same kindness and patience you would offer a close friend who is struggling.
Take a Break: It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that we must keep working at all costs, but rest is crucial for our mental well-being. Taking breaks allows us to recharge and recalibrate our minds.
Talk to Someone: Don’t keep your feelings bottled up. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or professional, talking to someone you trust can help release the pressure. It’s not about having all the answers, it’s about being heard and supported.
Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices, like meditation or deep breathing exercises, can help ground you in the present moment. These practices reduce anxiety, calm the mind, and help you regain control over negative thoughts.
Seek Professional Help: If negative thoughts persist, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A therapist can offer coping strategies and help you work through deeper issues that may be contributing to your mental health struggles.
Sources of Support:
Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 for free, confidential support.
Mind (UK): A mental health charity offering advice and resources.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (USA): Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
BetterHelp: An online platform offering affordable therapy sessions.
Therapists/Counselors: Find local therapists who specialize in mental health support.
Tim Bergling’s legacy is not just the music he left behind, but the lessons we can learn from his life and his struggles. His story reminds us that we must prioritize our mind health and take care of ourselves before we burn out. Let's break the silence, embrace vulnerability, and support each other in creating a world where mental health is valued and treated with the importance it deserves.
You are not alone. It’s okay to ask for help.
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