Six months ago I attempted suicide. When Netflix released Thirteen Reasons Why, I watched the show because the Novel by Jay Asher helped a lot of people. Although the series got a couple things right it reopened my healing wounds. I talked with other survivors and they had similar issues. I understand that different things help different people and the series very well could help someone, but no one can do it alone. I think the phone number could help not only those having thoughts of suicide but going through any crisis. This could save lives as the show is extremely intense. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in people ages 10-24. This is the target audience which is why it is so dangerous and irresponsible not to include these resources and reassures the audience there are people willing to help them in their time of struggle.
Dear Netflix,
As I'm sure you're aware, suicide is subject in which you must tread lightly. Thirteen Reasons Why is centered around a young woman's suicide and yet do not include a number for a crisis hotline. I have watched shows that involve the subject of suicide in a mere subplot that include a number for one of the various hotlines before. You have no clue if the viewers of this show are contemplating suicide themselves or in what way it could affect them. Crisis hotlines offer help to not only those contemplating suicide but those going through difficult times as well. I seriously think you should include it. I truly hope this show will help people.
There are several accounts of Thirteen Reasons Why triggering things in people who have dealt with attempted suicides, suicidal thoughts and sexual assault. To provide no resources to these people who need help is careless. I’m not asking you to take down the series. I just want you to provide crisis hotline numbers for all of us real life Hannah Bakers out there.
Sincerely,
Madison Nelson
