After season 1 of 13 Reasons Why came out, I heard some disturbing news. Anna Bright, a teenager committed suicide in the exact same way Hannah did in the show, after she binged watched it on Netflix.
All I knew about the show, I had heard from AFR. American Family Radio made it sound like the show glorified suicide, instead of its intent to bring awareness. For over a year, I listened to what they said instead of forming my own opinion. Don’t get me wrong, I still listen to AFR.
I have a 15 year old son. One day I finally decided to watch the show by myself before either of my boys did. I wanted to be prepared to talk about the subject of suicide if need be. Both of my boys have ADHD and have dealt with bullying in the past.
Although I am mentally disturbed and take my meds everyday, I was having mixed episodes, mainly depression, when I began to watch 13 Reasons Why. As a mother sometimes you have to do things maybe you aren’t ready for. I admit I probably picked one of the worst times in my life to watch something so disturbing, not smart on my part.
If I had of watched this show as a teen, I probably would have tried to kill myself. Actually at age 14, I did try with a gun and I am grateful that my mom walked in on me. I will never forget that moment in time, because time did freeze for me anyway.
Since I found God, I know my kids need their mom regardless how messed up I am. The thought does cross my mind when my illness gets to be too much and especially when my hubby and kids point out the things I am no longer able to do. I know what I can’t do & I am reminded each time I try to do certain things. I know they get upset but not anywhere near as upset as I.
Boy did I get off topic per say. My point was, the show was not what I had heard other viewers say on the radio. It does bring awareness to the reality of the way kids are treated in school and how their realities are different from when my generation was in school. It shows how society and entitled children have grown up in a world of ‘take’ what they want with no concequences.
The show contains: bullying, rumors, sexual assault, drugs, cutting, bipolar, stalking, lgbtq, murder,etc. This is why I watched it before ‘we’, my son & I, watch it together.
I got sucked into the series. I binged watched all 3 seasons in 2 weeks. The show did brink back some disturbing issues for me but I really enjoyed it. I do Not suggest any teen to watch alone or more than 2 episodes at a time.
If you are mentally & emotionally stable, I do suggest that people watch the series. It made me aware of what teens face today in school and how to better handle situations as they may arise. My boys tell me what goes on in their lives and we are close. I am not oblivious to the fact that they still keep things from me. This series opened my eyes to some things I was clueless about.
If you or someone you know is suicidal, please call: 1-800-273-8255 or Text HOME to 741741 Crisis Text Line Suicide Prevention
Youth Line 1-877-968-8491 or Text TEEN2TEEN to 839863 for ages 11-21
National Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-422-4453
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233
RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) 1-800-656-4673
LGBTQIA The Trevor Project 1-866-488-7386 or Text START to 678678
Trans Lifeline 1-877-565-8860 Youth 1-800-246-7743
Drug or Alcohol 1-800-662-4357
