Thoughts on 13 Reasons Why

Ok, so I am taking a little break from my hives. I recently finished hit Netflix series 13 Reasons Why. Holy, wow! It ended with an emotional bang.

SPOILERS AHEAD!! READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!

 

There is tons of controversy over 13 Reasons Why being good for mental health awareness. Did the show do more harm than good? Many experts have answered that question on each side of the spectrum. My answer is yes, the tv show helps mental health discussions because it does catch a glimpse of reality…. It is a dramatic reality, but this stuff really does happen.

I, personally, have been through some of the aspects of mental illness and bullying that Hannah went through on the show. I’ve dealt with rumors, name calling, etc. Sadly, it seems like that was the simplest part of her pain. Sexual assault and rape is a very touchy subject that often gets looked over in young adults lives. 13 Reasons Why showed the truth of rape and sexual assault. It showed that even just a “simple” ass grab is NOT OKAY!

There are many scenes that are brutal. The scene where Tyler is sexually assaulted with a mop seemed to really spike people’s attention. I cried when I watched that. I did not expect it at all, it came as a complete surprise. I could only imagine the pain and suffering.

Why was this scene so shocking? I read that it was because we typically do not see men being sexually assaulted. I am sure there is some truth to that. I also believe it had to do with how seriously messed up it was. How could someone even think to do that to another person? The character,  Montgomery de la Cruz, is a seriously screwed up guy!

In my small town things that brutal don’t seem to happen, but we do have a major suicide issue.

In 2014 Trenton Williams, an eighth grade student, started what seems to be the plague. He shot himself in the middle of the night. Following, in late 2015, our town lost Brad Bohrer, a 2015 Monroe City Graduate.  Tragedy struck again in 2016 with the loss of my classmate and friend, Toby Gottman. Following Toby’s death, in 2017, we lost another Monroe City graduate, Josh Hill. Mental illness is a well discussed topic in my town. We are tired of losing loved ones…

It is time the world takes a step back and takes a deep look into mental illness and suicide. We must stop this plague.

13 Reasons Why dove deep into the lives of teens, bringing light to the brutal truth of mental illness, high school, bullying, and generally life. The show got people talking and caused some people to work even harder to end the suffering.

Watch it here if you feel like it is ok for you.  — Netflix.com

Suicide hotline — 1-800-273-8255

If you are someone who suffers from mental illnesses don’t be scared to reach out. There are so many people and ways to help, you are not alone.

If you are witnessing someone show signs of mental illness TALK to someone. Tell your parents, teachers, bosses, or anyone who might help. That person needs you more than you may realize. DO NOT STAND BY!

We are all loved, never forget that.