When this series came out on Friday, I quickly noticed that it received 5 stars almost immediately. Shortly after starting the series, I could understand why. There are so many life lessons to be learned from this series (and the book) and I think it could be applied to every single one of us. This series is the most "real" show I have seen yet. They do not hold back on anything, making it all the more applicable to real life situations. They talk about everything under the sun, for example, bullying, rape, sexual assault, self-harm, and finally, suicide.
There was one prominent theme that was heavily addressed throughout the entire series, which is that suicide isn't something we talk about. It is something we shy away from because it is uncomfortable to talk about it. Just at the very thought of suicide, we block it out as if it just doesn't even exist. Newsflash.. it exists. It exists more than many people probably realize. Many of our peers, family members, teachers, parents may be struggling with the thought of suicide each and every day. They may feel like they do not have an out, and that suicide can make all the pain go away. While technically for the individual that might be true, it does not solve anything. It does not make anything better nor does it make the hurt stop. The hurt is just passed onto everyone around and I think this series shows this perfectly.
As you can probably imagine, a huge concept in the series is being bullied and this snowball effect of implications that come with being a teenager in this day and age. It shows how even the slightest encounters can hurt someone's feelings. A person may not realize the damage they can do to someone's feelings. Another implication with teenagers experiencing these feelings is that most of them don't know how to communicate or do not want to communicate with anyone. As teenagers (and even adults), we are still learning how to fully communicate how we feel and what is going on. We try to bottle everything in and keep everything to ourselves to avoid telling people about our problems. We may be scared to take all of the skeletons out of the closet and show people our vulnerability, and if we do consider telling someone, we wonder if they will even understand.
For those of you experiencing these feelings and can relate to this series, I am here to tell you that it will turn out okay. I have seen it happen. I have seen someone be suicidal and attempt suicide many times. I have seen a few succeed at suicide, but I have seen many who put down the razor blade, the pills, and the weapons. I have seen those people turn out to be okay. I have seen people like Hannah Baker, and they pushed through. There will always be someone there to listen to you and someone to understand. Trust me when I say, more people will understand that you might think, and if they don't, help them to try to understand. Do everything you can to help yourself; I know it hurts, trust me, I know, but your life is so precious. Don't be afraid to open up; don't be afraid to tell someone..anyone. It's worth it, because you are worth it.. I promise.
(And, if you have not watched '13 reasons Why' yet, I strongly suggest that you do. It really is an amazing and eye-opening show.)
If you have no one to talk to or get in contact with, feel free to get in touch with me. My facebook should be linked to this article. You can message me if you need someone.
Also, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline any day, any hour of the day at:
1-800-273-8255
or Visit:
