Netflix: 13 Reasons to Discuss Suicide

The series “13 Reasons Why” has been released on Netflix. Based on a novel by Jay Asher, this US drama is the story of a teenage girl named Hannah who commits suicide. She records 13 tapes explaining the reasons for her decision. Suicide is a somewhat taboo topic and to have the theme popularised will hopefully bring more awareness to mental health.

I was transfixed from the first episode. My flatmate got annoyed at me for getting three episodes ahead of her one night because I couldn’t turn it off. I didn’t want to admit that I was addicted to the show like the rest of my friends but the themes can all be related to on some level.

Although much of what happens is very dramatic – it’s a TV show after all – all of these things, from rape and abusive relationships to loneliness and financial issues, happen to people every day. The show highlights the problems that a lot of real people have to deal with, which in turn sparks a necessary conversation.

Silence amplifies the negative self-talk that a lot of adults and teenagers face daily, and sharing these emotions could save lives.

One in five adults will consider suicide at some point in their lives. With such a high statistic and the rise of bullying through social media, suicide cannot be treated as a “no go” topic for discussion.

The problem is that while “13 Reasons Why” brings suicide to the forefront it doesn’t tackle the repercussions, instead almost normalising suicide and portraying it as a form of revenge against other people. There is a danger that some young viewers will find that a good idea.

When “Mean Girls” came out in 2004, for instance, some schoolgirls starting making their own “Burn Books”, taking the wrong message from the movie and stepping up their bullying.

The main points to take from this show are:

It is normal to feel misunderstood and alone at times.

We can all feel negative emotions and friends and family won’t always be aware of that unless we say something. We have no idea what’s going on in another person’s life unless they share their thoughts and emotions.

Verbalising how we feel can be difficult but it’s the only way people can understand what we’re going through.

Feeling a variety of emotions is nothing to be embarrassed or burdened by. Stifling emotions creates barriers between people and can often make you feel alone.  Staying quiet about things that matter to you will bury you alive.

People can only meet you half way. Be kind to yourself and others.

As much as we try to be selfless and think of others, not everyone will accept help. That isn’t your fault and you shouldn’t feel burdened or helpless. You never know what another person is going through, so you don’t know the benefits that  a nice word or act can do to someone’s life.

If you’re ever feeling suicidal, know that you are not alone. There are helplines where there is always someone to talk to.

Samaritans: 116 123

Childline: 0800 1111

 

by Aly Blanchette

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