13 Reasons Why On Netflix
I’ve recently finished watching 13 Reasons Why on Netflix, and I felt the need to write this post to let everyone know about it because it is an amazing series.
WARNING: before you read any further, I have to say that this series covers very serious topics such as bullying, rape, and suicide.
I went into this series not really knowing what it was about. I saw it pop up a few times on the “coming soon” section of Netflix, and added it to “My List” straight away. The story line was intriguing:
“Based on the best-selling books by Jay Asher, 13 Reasons Why follows teenager Clay Jensen as he returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker—his classmate and crush—who tragically committed suicide two weeks earlier. On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life.”
I won’t go into much detail about the story line itself, as I don’t want to spoil anything, but I think this type of series is really important for all adults to see; especially those who are parents.
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As someone who was bullied as a student, I identified with some of this. However, not all of it. The type of things that happened in this series, were beyond what I experienced. I certainly never thought about killing myself (at school anyway), and the type of bullying I experienced wasn’t on the same level as what Hannah experienced.
Just because I didn’t experience it, doesn’t mean I don’t think it can’t happen. Because I know it does.
Personally, I think it’s VERY important for us all to look at this topic. Of bullying, rape and suicide; and think about the consequences it has.
The series was very raw, and very real, in my opinion.
I found it hard to watch at times, and the last few episodes really tore me apart. During the last episode, I couldn’t watch one particular scene as it was too real for me.
I cried a lot, and felt a lot of other emotions as well, during the whole series.
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Whilst I didn’t suffer as a teenager like Hannah did, I have certainly had my share of emotions and feelings regarding suicide.
I don’t often talk about it, but during the worst times of my post-natal depression experience, I thought the worst about myself. I did consider suicide, and sometimes on really bad days, I still do.
I personally think it is extremely important for us all to be able to express ourselves, no matter what the emotion is.
I encourage everyone out there, no matter what their age, to speak their mind.
Fuck what anyone else thinks.
I also encourage others to listen. Truly listen. Communication skills are imperative, but so are listening skills.
Pay attention. Ask questions. Offer advice.
If you don’t feel like you can talk to someone close to you, then I have listed some links below.
If you are a listener, and don’t know what to do, then those links are for you too.
ANYONE should be able to ask for help.
As a parent it really cuts me up inside that my child might experience something like this, but I like to think (and hope) that I am there for them and they feel like they can tell me how they feel.
However I know that’s not always the way …
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IF YOU NEED SOME HELP OR TO TALK TO SOMEONE:
* Lifeline (open 24/7) – 0800 543 354
* Depression Helpline (open 24/7) – 0800 111 757
* Healthline (open 24/7) – 0800 611 116
* Samaritans (open 24/7) – 0800 726 666
* Suicide Crisis Helpline (open 24/7) – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.
* Youthline (open 24/7) – 0800 376 633. You can also text 234 for free between 8am and midnight, or email talk@youthline.co.nz
* 0800 WHATSUP children’s helpline – phone 0800 9428 787 between 1pm and 10pm on weekdays and from 3pm to 10pm on weekends. Online chat is available from 7pm to 10pm every day at www.whatsup.co.nz.
* Kidsline (open 24/7) – 0800 543 754. This service is for children aged 5 to 18. Those who ring between 4pm and 9pm on weekdays will speak to a Kidsline buddy. These are specially trained teenage telephone counsellors.
* Your local Rural Support Trust – 0800 787 254 (0800 RURAL HELP)
* Alcohol Drug Helpline (open 24/7) – 0800 787 797. You can also text 8691 for free.
You can also contact the Mental Health Foundation’s free Resource and Information Service (09 623 4812).
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