13 Reasons Why - Teenage Suicide

I'm really sorry this is on the Blue Side. I would like to see it cross posted to School Nurses and Psych.

We actually had an assembly on this. Why we don't encourage the series, but if students did feel they had to watch it, to make sure you (the parent) or someone trusted discussed the series with the child.

I read the books.

This post really hits home today. Its my brothers birthday. He would have been 29 years old if he hadn't completed suicide at age 20. Then, two years ago his best friend, who's practically a brother to me too, completed suicide as well. My heart hasn't stopped hurting over these 9 years. Reading similar stories just crushes my heart all over and over again. This tragedy does not discriminate.

Although I genuinely wish NO ONE ever had to experience the loss of a loved one to suicide or ever feel broken enough to attempt and commit suicide, I am thankful than there is such a large, loving network of complete strangers to lean on in support of one another.

Just wanted to say that I think of you, even if you believe you are all alone, you're not. I will never judge you and I am sending you love and light. Don't ever give up. Please reach out. Victim, survivor, family, friend. You are worthy, loved, and strong. You are!

To all of us. Keep fighting. Life is Beautiful! Thank you for reminding me of that on my brothers birthday when I needed it so badly.

I have not read the book or seen the series. I have read criticism in the past that the Netflix series is dangerous because of the phenomenon of "copycat" suicides, such as the OP's adolescent patient. I agree that it is important for parents to help teens process the information. For those who have seen the series or read the books, would you recommend that teens watch the series and/or read the book with their parents? Do you think the benefit of raising awareness of the importance of seeking and providing help to those suffering depression outweighs the potential risks?

I have not read the book or seen the series. I have read criticism in the past that the Netflix series is dangerous because of the phenomenon of "copycat" suicides, such as the OP's adolescent patient. I agree that it is important for parents to help teens process the information. For those who have seen the series or read the books, would you recommend that teens watch the series and/or read the book with their parents? Do you think the benefit of raising awareness of the importance of seeking and providing help to those suffering depression outweighs the potential risks?

I became aware of this series while doing research on teen suicide. I did ask my 15 year old son if he had watched it and he told me he had. My son is a very confident, straight forward kid who avoids drama at all costs. So when I asked him what he thought he said "It's just a television show."

After discussing it with patients ages 13 to 17 I found that if a child is already depressed, or feeling pressured or bullied they may be more likely to see the show as a trigger point. As the article mentioned Suicide rate is the fastest growing cause of death among teenagers. The graphic depiction of some of the things that happen in the show: rape, fighting, suicide would make me think that a parent show watch the show with their teen. We can't forbid them to watch it after all the ways they can access media.

Raising awareness of the suicide epidemic in the country is a good thing but I don't think this series is a useful as the produces try to make it out to be.

I made it a practice early to read every book my son read and become familiar with the music he was listening etc.... I didn't do it in a helicopter way and I never forbid him to read a book or watch a series, or told him what music to listen too etc. I would discuss with him if I felt something was inappropriate and why. He's 16 now and we have great mother/son relationship. He knows he can talk to me about anything and while I am sure he keeps some things to himself (I'm not stupid) I know he's not afraid to come to me.

Hppy

Damn that's deep.

What I honestly think would help prevent it too is maybe letting our adolescents be in nature. And teaching practical skills. Just giving them something to do.

Let schools start a fishing club, an off road club. You'd be surprised even what and where a Honda Civic can take you with decent tires and a good driver.

Let them learn practical skills. Our education system needs a overhaul. Auto mechanic programs, EMT programs in high school.

But nope. We're too stuck on trying to get every one of them in Ivy League schools. Then life hits them and boom, they're screwed.

I know when I lived in Ventura County, a lot of kids complained they had nothing to do.

Parents both working, suburban area, most parties involve alcohol and drugs in copious amounts, anything fun involves gas money

And you wonder why they not only have a big heroin problem, but a lot of depressed teens.

My move to Oakhurst was a life changing one, but I'll tell you this

Our kids have practical skills

Our kids might be rowdy 4 wheelin punks sometimes

But we're self sufficient. We have practical skills.

We don't push our kids into social, financial, and personal success.

There's always something to do. A new trail to ride your dirt bike, dad's old Square body needs fixing.

And I haven't heard of many suicides up here.

Who will commit suicide? The kid who is trapped at home, seeing depressing stuff on his phone all day, with no outlet for his boredom

Or a country boy that has every ability to let his stressors out in a healthy manner?

Unless you want to talk about Ron Van Meter and Roderick Sinclair

Suicide is a real problem. I remember I tried to take my own life because I took allot of abuse in school but remembered my mom carrying me from the hospital when I was a baby and stopped and wen't to a children's suicide hospital. I did not wan't her to feel pain because I couldn't handle hate from people. Most of the people who bullied me are now in prison for other things they did. If I filed charges they would be gone for life. I still have marks on my body from the abuse I took.