THE NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE IS AVAILABLE 24/7/365 AT 1-800-273-8255. IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING HARMING YOURSELF, PLEASE CALL THIS NUMBER OR CONFIDE IN A TRUSTED FRIEND OR MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL. 

In place of the police scanner today, a public service announcement.

It’s not often that I issue my opinion on a book  or show solely by what other people say or write about it. Today I make an exception.

Let us be charitable and say that Netflix’s Thirteen Reasons Why and the book on which it is based were made with the best intentions. Yet, this story of a teenage girl’s suicide has received widespread condemnation for violating every one of the recommendations for reporting on suicide. These recommendations are important because of “the Werther effect”–graphic or detailed depictions of suicide in media can contribute to copycat suicide attempts.

Maggieinboston is my friend in real life and wants to pursue a career in public health. She watched Thirteen Reasons Why and thought it was not a helpful portrayal of this public health issue that would encourage people (especially young people) to seek help.

I’ve seen enough people in my life struggling with mental illness (which is NOT mentioned in the show, though it contributes to 90% of suicide attempts). I don’t plan on watching, let alone reviewing, a program that does a disservice to them or could possibly harm them.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website offers tips on getting help for yourself or a loved one, warnings signs of suicide, and much needed myth-busting. bethe1to.com has a plethora of resources addressing what YOU can do to keep your loved ones safe and help them heal.

THE NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE IS AVAILABLE 24/7/365 AT 1-800-273-8255. IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING HARMING YOURSELF, PLEASE CALL THIS NUMBER OR CONFIDE IN A TRUSTED FRIEND OR MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL.  

For anyone who needs to hear it:
I swear to God, it does get better.