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It’s no secret that 13 Reasons Why has ~seriously~ divided the Internet. The Netflix series even brought on warnings from mental health experts over Hannah Baker’s extremely graphic suicide and the thirteen reasons she chose to take her own life.
RELATED: Headspace Have Issued An Official Warning About ’13 Reasons Why’
As you probably know, the story is told from Hannah’s perspective and deals with bullying and sexual assault. Those that are against the show are worried about “contagion,” the idea that someone with suicidal thoughts could copy what they see. While those for the show argue it’s a platform to talk about these issues more honestly.
Mental health organisation Headspace labeled the show as “dangerous” following a spike in calls and emails relating directly to the TV show. Which, if you look at this from another perspective is positive, because it means messaging around seeking help and support is working.
Now, Netflix has responded, saying in a statement that it stands behind the show, produced by our girl Selena Gomez. “We have been mindful of both the show’s intense themes and the intended audience. We support the unflinching vision of the show’s creators, who engaged the careful advice of medical professionals in the scriptwriting process.”
Dr Rona Hu worked as one of many consultants on 13 Reasons Why, explaining “as a psychiatrist I made suggestions to reflect the many experiences of young people that I have seen in my clinical work.”
“It’s good to talk with your teens about what they read, what they watch, the music they listen to and, of course, what’s happening in their lives and with their friends,” Dr Hu explained to NewsCorp.
“Sometimes the things that are not directly related to them are less intimidating than talking about their real lives. One conversation can open up into another. A teen who was witnessed bullying might be able to open more easily in talking about a fictional character.”
If you or someone you know needs help, you can speak confidentially to a trained counsellor 24 hours a day at headspace.org.au or Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800.
This article previously appeared on InStyle Australia.
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