13 Reasons Why is the infamous TV series that shows suicide, depressions and school shootings. 13 Reasons Why released its first season on March 31, 2017. This episode focused on Hannah Baker (17), a high school student who took her own life and how it affected her family. Clay Jensen was a high school friend and Hannah Baker was a fellow student. Hannah Baker died after leaving behind a box full of cassette tapes. These tapes were to be heard by Clay Jensen and a few other people, thirteen tapes that she left to explain the reasons she chose to leave this planet. It is a great film that sparks healthy discussion and educates in ways schools might not be able to.
While 13 Reasons Why has many scenes that can be triggering, the show does a great job of spreading awareness about these struggles. Every episode finishes with a short piece of text that says, “If your family or friends need help finding crisis resources or support, please visit 13reasonswhy.info – or watch Beyond the Reasons available in Trailers & More”. People, particularly those with mental illness, can learn more about the resources available to them by sharing this message and sharing it with others. Even though there were some disturbing scenes, such as Hannah Baker’s suicide, the overall message and the resources available to the viewers allow them to have a better grasp of mental illness. Viewers who have had to deal with similar issues were more concerned by the show’s trigger scenes. David Barker from “NewStatesman,” stated that “They” (the Samaritans), said that the show’s content could be triggering, particularly for people who have experienced self-harm.” The emotional draining emotions that a character goes through can make it very difficult to feel the same way you did. It can also lead you to feeling as though you are reliving the feelings. This alarming increase in suicide rates is a reminder that teens need to be made aware of the dangers and prevent them from committing self-harm. It is uncomfortable for most people to discuss suicide and it is difficult for them to do so. The US Centers of Disease Control and Prevention also states that suicide risks drop dramatically when people dial the national suicide hotline. It is crucial to understand your options and have someone to confide to.
Although some fans of the show consider the show an excellent conversation starter, others feel that it sends a negative message to adults. Catherine Louis, “The New York Times,” describes season one’s thirteenth episode:
Hannah was found dead in her school’s counseling office hours before she died. She suggests to the counselor that Hannah was assaulted by a senior and then, as if to say something, she asks for help. He offers her tissues, but doesn’t do a suicide-risk assessment.
Dr. Miller said that “that was gross negligence” and it sent “a dangerous message” about adults not caring (Louis).
Adults will see the image and feel traumatized by the teenager’s silent cry for help. This allows parents to quickly see what signals to look out for when they talk to someone in distress. The 13 Reasons Why program allowed parents to have open discussions about self-harm and create healthy relationships. Emily Ryzuk (a trauma-specializing psychotherapist) was quoted as saying:
“For parents, she stated that being right next to your child during an episode is a great way to get to know them and to begin talking. She stated that parents can assess their child’s interest in similar vignettes and even previous exposure. This can allow children to open up to having conversations with parents, and to ask clarifying and/or embarrassing questions. Parents have rare opportunities to get involved and to intervene.
Another note: Keeping your children from watching 13 Reasons Why is a good idea. It will encourage them to look into the subject more. It might be a deterrent to your kid from watching 13 Reasons Why, but it could also make it more likely that they will not talk about the feelings it caused them. Just because you are unable to allow your child or teenager to do something, such as watching the 13 Reasons Why, doesn’t mean that they will be able to. Now your teenager is feeling overwhelmed and unable to let go of all the emotions and feelings. Mom bloggers state, “This was heavy explicit that I hate that my kid has not had the opportunity to learn about at such an young age… DON’T LET YOUR KIDS SEE 13 REASONS WHY.” Teenagers don’t realize the fact that technology is available to them at all times.
Viewers feel that 13 Reasons Why glorifies suicide. It is also not considered to be a serious or important topic by many viewers, especially since it is a Netflix show. Katherine Rosman from “The New York Times”, writes that the show alarmed parents, teachers, mental health workers, and school administrators. They were concerned about how it glorified suicide, without giving context or providing pertinent information to young viewers. A teenage girl opening a new razor pack and taking a deep, exhaling breath as she opens her wrists is nothing to be proud of. It is also not glamorous to watch someone die in their own tub. Last, but not least: it is not glamorous to watch one’s child die in their own bathtub. 13 Reasons why suicide is not glamorous.
13 Reasons Why explores topics many people find difficult. The series Hannah Baker: A Walk Through of Hannah’s Life will help viewers gain an understanding of the emotional toll mental illnesses can take on someone’s personal life. People will feel more motivated to seek help when they see the consequences of suicide and the impact it has on their loved ones. The series covered many mental issues and was popular with both teens and adults. Because 13 Reasons Why is so relatable, everyone should watch it. Parents and children often watch the series together to help them understand real-life problems. This series creates the ideal environment for parents and teens to have open discussions about any issues that are bothering them. Some people find it difficult or scary to talk to their peers about sensitive information. 13 Reasons Why is a website for people with mental illnesses that viewers can visit to find out how to get support. The website is open to everyone and anyone can spread awareness. Every person deserves happiness. 13 Reason Why provides a platform for people struggling to make a difference and gives them the opportunity to receive help.
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