Suicide Prevention

13 Reasons Why - Netflix Series

Netflix released a series "13 Reasons Why," a show based on a book with the same title, by Jay Asher. It is a fictional account of a teenage character who dies by suicide. This miniseries attempts to address many topics that can lead to important conversations with students, such as bullying, cyber-bullying, assault, rape, and suicide. We want to bring this to your attention because we have found many of our students have already watched some of the series, have heard about it, or are asking questions about it.

Here are some resources to help spark a meaningful conversation about the subject matter:

13- Reasons Why- Talking points for parents
Common Sense Media: 5 Conversations to Have with Your Teens After "13 Reasons Why"
13- Reasons Why- Considerations for Educators

Youth Suicide Warning Signs:

A previous suicide attempt
Current talk of suicide or making a plan
Strong wish to die or a preoccupation with death
Giving away prized possessions
Signs of depression, such as moodiness, hopelessness, withdrawal
Increased alcohol and/or other drug use
Hinting at not being around in the future or saying good-bye

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline created this list of youth suicide warning signs. Read it. Recognize the red flags. Know what to do.

What To Do:

Listen and express concern in a non-judgmental way
Trust your suspicions that your child may be in danger
Take action! Get them connected to a professional
Ask questions openly (“Do you have a plan to hurt yourself? Will you talk to someone who can help?”)
Show you care; stay calm and remove all potential methods for suicide such as guns, pills, etc.
Take all threats seriously
Stay with your child, don’t leave them alone

You can also contact your student’s school and ask for assistance.