We must admit that suicide has robbed this world some of the greatest musicians of all time. It’s strange that all seems to be going well for these music icons – selling out shows, putting out albums yet deep inside they’re battling with stuff that sometimes feels larger than life.
Although we all get stressed and often feel overwhelmed by life, depression is a serious mood disorder that affects how one feels, thinks and handle daily activities such as sleeping, eating and working.
Here’s a list of famous musicians who have given up on life:
Elvis Presley, American singer and actor was referred to as the King of rock and roll died on August 16, 1977.
For the longest time, the whole world believed that Elvis committed suicide, almost forty years later his former wife spoke out claiming that the iconic performer committed suicide when he died of a drug-related heart attack.
According to Priscilla, the rock icon wanted to take his own life by swallowing huge amounts of prescription painkillers. There are emerged hand written notes that could act as evidence that Elvis Presley may have actually orchestrated his own death.
A note where Elvis wrote, “I’m sick and tired of my life. I need a long rest,” are proof that suicide was at the back of his mind.
Swedish musician, DJ, remixer and record producer, Avicii this year also ended his life, a death that shocked many.
The 28-year-old DJ took his own life by cutting himself with a broken wine bottle while he was on vacation in Muscat, Oman.
His family released a statement saying, “Our beloved Tim was a seeker, a fragile artistic soul searching for answers to existential questions. An over-achieving perfectionist who traveled and worked hard at a pace that led to extreme stress,” the statement reads. “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.”
Those around Avicii at the time of his death said that he seemed happy, confident and in good spirits therefore the news of him taking his own life came as a shock to many.
American rapper, Mac Miller died of a drug overdose on September 7th.
It’s still not known if Miller’s death was an accidental overdose or suicide however the rapper had said he’d experienced suicidal thoughts in the past. Psychologists have said that there is a very strong and undeniable connection between youngsters dealing with issues such as depression and substance abuse, and the huge issue of youth suicide.
Like Avicii and many others who have committed suicide, it’s difficult to notice that they might be feeling empty inside because they put on a facade and appear to be happy and content with life.
For the longest time in Kenya and Africa, suicide and mental health issues have been considered a taboo topic. It is high time that the public is sensitized on the issue so that the stigma ends and those suffering can break the silence.
Do you know anyone who has committed suicide? Did they show any signs?