Warning: This article will discuss suicide. If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, there is help available to you. Please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
Some time has passed since the Netflix original series ‘13 Reasons Why’ premiered with controversy. The show’s narrative centered around the life of young high schooler Hannah Baker, who took her life in suicide. Problematically, in the show’s last episode, there is a graphic depiction of Hannah’s planning and her ultimate suicide. Professionals, parents, and teenagers alike raised alarm about the show and its contents, concerned that it wasn’t sending the right message about suicide. There are right ways and wrong ways for the media to depict or discuss suicide, according to the World Health Organization, and the show did not adhere to such guidelines. As the second season looms near for a 2018 premiere date, it is important to return to the discussion of whether or not we should be watching the show and what we need to know when we do.
Researchers at San Diego State University analyzed aggregate internet data collected from Google Trends in 2017 after the show’s release, according to Fatherly. A short window of time was examined to control for ‘suicide’ related search terms that would have come up in 2017, like the death of NFL player Aaron Hernandez and the release of “Suicide Squad”. Findings revealed that suicide-related searches increased shortly after the release of ‘13 Reasons Why’:
“Suicide hotlines” term increased 12 percent“Suicide prevention” term increased 23 percent“How to kill yourself” term increased 9 percent“Commit suicide” term increased 18 percent“How to commit suicide” term increased 26 percent
Scientist’s are pushing for Netflix to cancel the series and take the show off of their streaming platform because of a demonstrated connection between suicidal thinking and suicidal action.
Hannah Baker, the show’s main character, suffers a series of traumas both physical, social, and emotional, throughout the time of her life illustrated by the show. Suicidal thoughts and ideations, both passive and aggressive, are common in individuals who have experienced trauma and have not received any kind of therapy or treatment for coping.
If you have experienced trauma and are struggling with thoughts of suicide, know that crisis passes. You are not alone. You can find peace in your life. The Guest House Ocala offers private trauma treatment customized to your every individual need to ensure you the best treatment possible. Call us today for information: 1-855-483-7800