Further to previous posts on Jay Asher’s bestselling teen novel, 13 Reasons Why –
***SPOILERS***
A debate is currently raging about the Netflix show adapted from the teen novel. For both sides of the argument try reading Buzzfeed’s, This Is Why People Are Saying “13 Reasons Why” Is A Dangerous Show – Whilst it’s raising a really important issue, it’s doing it in a really harmful way.” and The Huffington Post’s, 13 Reasons Why Was Wrong To Show Hannah’s Death – And It Could Be Dangerous. Then read, 13 Reasons Why Writer Defends the Show’s Graphic Suicide Scene, and, The Independent’s take on things, 13 Reasons Why on Netflix: Does it really glamourise suicide?, and then, yeah, make your own mind up.
So, has the show misjudged its pitch and inadvertently glorified suicide? One important thing to remember is that there are many differences between the novel and the show, not least of all the fact that in the novel the suicide is handled very differently: ““The scene of Hannah committing the suicide is incredibly difficult to watch in the TV show, but Jay Asher’s original text merely stated that she “swallowed a handful of pills”.” – Capital Film
Clishmaclaver can’t really say either way; I don’t have Netflix.
I do agree with The Independent’s observation, though, that there seems to be a prevailing fear about ever turning a spotlight on suicide, as if doing so will render any open discussion of suicide risk a self-fulfilling prophesy. In actual fact, the first thing you are taught in any Mental Health First Aid training is that if you are concerned about someone, don’t be afraid to ask the question, ‘Are you having suicidal thoughts or feelings?’ “Because if they are then they can be supported to access the right professional help and quickly. The biggest myth we need to bust is that talking about suicide increases the risk of someone taking their own life, when in reality talking is the most powerful first step towards safety, yet the hardest thing to do when we are distressed.” – MHFA England
Suicide is preventable, not inevitable.
Maytree is a sanctuary for people in suicidal crisis. Their helpline is open 24hrs a day – if no one answers leave a message and someone will get back to you as soon as possible. Many of their volunteers have struggled with suicidal feelings themselves and have first hand experience of getting through a suicidal crisis. Their number is 020 7263 7070 or you can email them at maytree@maytree.org.uk
Papyrus runs HOPELineUK – a specialist telephone helpline service staffed by trained professionals. It is open Monday-Friday from 10am-5pm and 7pm-10pm and from 2pm-5pm on Weekends. Their number is 0800 068 41 41 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org
Samaritans is the largest UK based helpline and they are open 24hrs a day. Their number is 08457 90 90 90 or you can email them at jo@samaritans.org
Connecting with People – U Can Cope film (22min film shares inspirational stories and focuses on three people for whom life had become unbearable but who found a way through with support) and this page Staying safe if you’re not sure life’s worth living. Connecting with people also have links to three useful booklets from the Royal College of Psychiatrists:
- Feeling on the Edge? Helping you get through it.
- Feeling overwhelmed – helping you stay safe
- U can cope! How to cope when life is difficult
Art credit: ©Penguin Books
