Show ‘13 reasons’ raises questions, draws criticism
Netflix series tackles subject of teen suicide
The subject of suicide is taboo. Talking about it makes people uncomfortable. Victims are often blamed for taking their own lives, and in many cases, it leaves their loved ones with questions that can’t be answered.
It’s a big problem for America’s youth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it’s the second leading cause of death for people
ages 15 to 24.
The Netflix original series “13 Reason Why” tackles the subject of suicide and details the reasons, including bullying and rape, that high school student Hannah Baker took her life.
The series hasn’t come without controversy. Some people say that it glorifies suicide and isn’t appropriate for teens to watch. Others think the show, which has people talking about the issue, can be used to raise awareness.
Ann Bishop, a certified school counselor and licensed professional counselor at Texas High School, hasn’t seen “13 Reasons,” but she thinks parents could use it as a platform to start a conversation with their children about suicide and depression. Bishop said if parents are going to let their teens see the series, it would be a good idea to watch it with them.
“The research shows that you’re not going to put the idea of suicide in someone’s head. That’s why it’s OK to ask them if they’re having thoughts,” Bishop said. “But anything can potentially sway someone who is struggling with mental health issues.”
Because of where they are in their development, teens are more susceptible to suicide.
“The frontal lobe where decision-making happens isn’t fully developed until they’re in their early 20s. The part of you that says ‘That’s stupid. Don’t do that,’ can be easily overridden by emotions,” Bishop said.
The issues teens are facing today are very real.
“The problem is … kids are now very social. Social media is a tool people hide behind, so there is a lot more out there that can cause problems for kids— rumors or someone making ugly comments. It’s so much more common and easier to do because of social media,” Bishop said. “A lot of kids are in a lot of pain, and they have a hard time thinking past the present. They have a hard time looking to the future and knowing things are going to change. The reality is the permanence of death at their age is a very difficult concept for them.”
Parents may not be able to monitor a child’s every move on social media, but there are some signs of depression they can be on the lookout for.
Someone who is talking about suicide or is preoccupied with death could be thinking of taking his or her life.
“I may have an art teacher come to me who’s taken up a kid’s work and all the pictures are of death or macabre scenes. It may be something they’re writing in their journal in English class or parents my find a journal or diary or see texts on their phone,” Bishop said.
Young people who’ve gone through a significant loss—whether it’s a breakup, the loss of a friendship or the death of a loved one—are more prone to depression.
“Any kind of serious, stressful life event or loss should put parents on alert,” Bishop said. “A lot of times, kids won’t talk to their parents about it, but their parents will see personality changes. All of a sudden, their kid is anxious or moody. They may isolate themselves from other people, or they may stop taking care of themselves. You’re going to see a certain amount of hopelessness from these kids. They’re going to be wrung out.”
Other risk factors include a previous suicide attempt, history of depression or other mental illness, alcohol or drug abuse, family history of suicide or depression, physical illness and feeling alone.
Bishop said if parents see these signs, it’s time to sit down and have a conversation with the child.
“Tell them you love them and care about them and … whatever it is can be worked through. If you feel like there’s a serious issue, they need to be assessed by a mental health professional,” Bishop said. “There are all kinds of tools out there and teams of people who can work to move anyone who is suicidal out of that place.”
Having someone in their corner can help kids deal with whatever problems they face.
“If you have a great attachment to one adult or a friend who is a positive force in your life, it can get you through a lot. Friends are so important to them, but if friends are the wrong friends, it can be devastating,” Bishop said.
Suicide isn’t only an issue for young people. It’s the second leading cause of death for people 25 to 34, fourth for people 35 to 54 and eighth for people 55 to 64.
“This isn’t just a problem with teenagers. It’s a problem across society in every age group,” Bishop said. “Our society, our world suffers every time we lose one.”
The National Suicide Hotline can be reached at 1-800-273-8255.