Before you read any of this post, I am not picking a fight, nor am I stating that you need to agree with my point of view.
This might be a novel concept but people can have different perspectives on the same issue.
That being said, I have very strong opinions on the topic of the book 13 Reasons Why.
I am three weeks away from a Bachelor of Arts in Counseling and I have had the opportunity to learn from many wise psychologists, counselors, and other professionals serving in the social work and justice fields. Mental illness is something that I have dealt with my entire life and because of that, I am passionate about speaking up for others who also struggle with mental illness.
There are so many topics under the mental illness umbrella that are overlooked because they are difficult to discuss. 13 Reasons Why has recently come back into the media spotlight after being made into a Netflix Original series. The book was originally published in 2007. It tells the story of Hannah Davis, a high schooler who chose to kill herself after living through many traumatic events. Her story is told through a series of cassette tape recordings that are left for specific people to listen to. The tapes cover 13 reasons why Hannah chose to end her life.
Many people have a good connection with the story. They appreciate that rape, suicide, young deaths, and more are brought to the table to be discussed. Topics like these get swept under the rug because they are difficult but need time in the spotlight because they are important.
13 Reasons Why brings up these conversations but does not show healthy avenues for finding help and hope during hard times, nor does it ever directly address mental illness.
This quote from an article on The Mighty sums up my main conflict with the show: “There needs to be an example of what to do, not just what not to do. When we present a failing system without the avenue for change, it does not help to prevent the very thing the show is about”.
When Hannah Baker goes to her guidance counselor for help, he makes the issues about her actions and tells her to move on. She never involves any other adults and the counselor did not offer the much-needed support that Hannah was looking for. If young teenagers see the guidance counselor dismiss Hannah they will be less likely to approach professionals, mentors, or adults who could connect them to resources that they need. Issues like these need to be addressed by also showing healthy ways of seeking help. No high schooler should have to carry the weight of all of the tapes by themselves. Why were the tapes never taken to the authorities? No one needs to walk alone.
This storyline also treats Hannah’s suicide as a big act of revenge rather than a way of lessening distress. In the words of another author, “It is upsetting to see a suicide portrayed as the suicidal person wanting others to feel guilty, rather than focusing on the person’s emotions and thoughts”.
There are many opinions and studies about how suicide is reported impacting the rates of suicide as well. This Washington Post article talks about some of the effects that graphic reporting on suicide can have such as copycat suicides, and increased distress.
If you are interested in the recommendations for reporting on suicide, you can find those here.
While it is ultimately your decision on whether or not you choose to watch the show, this author’s mother gives something to consider; “Your entertainment is derived from another person’s pain. That darkness can be dangerous”. Use caution if you know that the covered topics could be triggers for you.
The show very vividly portrays very difficult life events and there are great things and downsides to the graphic depictions.
If you would like to learn more about mental illness, discussing difficult topics, and hearing honest portrayals of stories each of these book covers is an Amazon link to a book that I have personally read and would recommend.
There is hope. You are not alone.
If you are struggling today, please reach out to someone you love and trust, or any of the resources below.
-National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1.800.273.TALK (273-8255)
-Call 2-1-1 to be connected with local resources.
-Crisis Text Line: text 741741
The more I read about this, the more I need to watch it. I remember when the book came out and everyone was obsessed with it and how amazing and eye-opening it was and I remember reading it, loving it, and recommending it but now I don’t remember all of the details. I wonder if my opinion on it will be different now that I’m not 15. I’ve heard such conflicting things about the show too that I know I need to watch it – I just have to get a VPN so I can watch Netflix here, ha. I’m intrigued to see how I feel about it and, at the very least, a LOT of people are talking about suicide and depression right now. I’ve seen several parents make comments about how it’s making them think about their kids’ depression differently and opening eyes to high school problems which is definitely something.
Have you read/watched it or decided not to because of everything?
I have seen bits and pieces, but I am not in a place right now where I can watch something with that many triggers.