The Negligence of “13 Reasons Why”

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

“13 Reasons Why.”

The Selena Gomez – produced Netflix show that remade the YA fiction novel by the same name.

The topic? Teenage Suicide.


The “13 Reasons” refer to the 13 cassette tapes the victim, Hannah, left behind, explaining why each of the 13 people on the tapes were to blame in why she took her own life.

I didn’t want to watch it. Clearly, this is not a light subject matter, and not particularly something I wanted to watch alone in my studio apartment in New York. But given my affinity for Justin Bieber, and as a result, his first love, Selena Gomez, I wanted to see what she produced.

And well, after watching all 13 episodes in less than 48 hours, I have some thoughts. Strong ones.

Suicide is never the answer. It should never even be an option. Let’s get that right out of the way from the get-go. And if you are having suicidal thoughts, you should seek professional help. Call a crisis hotline. Talk to someone.

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This show got it wrong.

As a survivor of a severe case of anorexia, this topic hits really close to home with me. Too close. During my disease, even though I never would have said, “I want to end my life,” the fact is, my actions communicated just that. I starved myself down to 78 pounds. Anorexia is a slow, drawn out suicide attempt. There. I said it. Whether you realize it or not, you are killing yourself, every day. Every meal you skip. Every calorie you burn. You are slowly and deliberately allowing yourself to waste away.

And there is nothing to glorify there. Nothing to romanticize. Nothing to slap a sepia filter on and call it “teen angst.” It is a form of mental illness; just like conditions that lead to suicidal thoughts and actions. And it should be treated and supervised by professionals.

The thing that made me the most upset about the show, aside from the appalling depiction of sheer ineptness by the guidance counselor, the glamorization of her death through an elaborate “riddle” of tapes left behind, and the depiction of control that creates, the thing that got to me the most was that these tapes – these 13 Reasons – blamed someone for it.

One of my biggest regrets, that I still live with to this day, is thinking that my loved ones blame themselves for my anorexia. Thinking that they were a contributing factor to my illness, or that they did or said something that triggered the development of the eating disorder. It has worn at my spirit that they could possibly blame themselves. And over and over and over, I’ve tried to communicate to them that it wasn’t their fault. Sure, tense words were said, and maybe sometimes the best decisions weren’t made, but the fact is, we all were just getting through it the best we could, the best we knew how.

No one is to blame for a suicide. I don’t care how “good” of a story line that creates.

Is it horrible that Hannah had to endure assault and bullying? Absolutely. But taking one’s life is not the only option out there. Where were those options in the plot line?

Finally, my heart absolutely shatters, to think about the impressionable teens who watch this series. Who, like myself, want to check it out because Selena Gomez is on the poster and take her word as “Gospel-ajacent.”

The act of taking one’s life stems from one thing: control. Regain control of a life that seems hopeless, and at a dead end. And the message that the storyline communicates – that Hannah was able to leave a legacy and communicate with her classmates and control them into solving her riddle – it glamorizes, belittles and negates the gravity and severity and finality of the act of suicide. It puts an air of “celebrity” on the devastating act that doesn’t leave people curious, it leaves them ruined. Suicide ruins the loved ones. Shatters them. Leaves them unable to pick up the pieces.

When a person takes their life, there is no more communicating with their friends afterwards. There is no seeing if they’ve solved the riddles or played the “game” by the rules, or done this or that. When a person takes their life, they are no longer alive. They are no more. And everyone is left to put the pieces back together, and fight the horrific guilt that they were to blame.

There is always another option. There is always a way out. No matter how bleak. There is always another option. It is my deepest prayer that if someone who is at risk, watches that series, that they don’t become enamored with the glitz and the notoriety Hannah received after her death. That they realize that there are people that they can reach out to for help. Guidance counselors are good people and, contrary to the depiction in the series, are well equipped and want to help.

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But lastly, I pray that those at risk youth remember that they’re not alone. That they are loved so fiercely by their Heavenly Father, who wants to fight for them. And even though that might not seem like enough, it has the power to turn things around.

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“13 Reasons Why” is negligent. It panders to the glorification of a tragedy that should never, ever be glossed over or trivialized or romanticized.

Hannah had a mental illness. And with proper care and guidance, her story could have ended a lot differently.

And I pray that for anyone watching it, they realize that too.

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551 thoughts on “The Negligence of “13 Reasons Why””

    1. Thanks so much Mel. I appreciate it 🙂 yeah this series really brought up a lot of strong feelings for me. I appreciate their effort to open up a conversation about it, but I fear it did more harm than good. Thanks for stopping by. Hugs and love xox

      Liked by 1 person

  2. I haven’t watched 13 Reasons, but even so, the hairs on my neck raised when I heard about it, as I wondered whether the series would manage to tread respectfully on the issue of suicide.

    If your description is correct, it sounds like they blew it. Turning such a tragic thing into a sensationalized little “mini-Lost” for entertainment purposes is insulting. A sober tone and story structure is called for. Educate the public on the signs and possible outreaches of suicide, or stay out of it. Lives could be saved.

    I wonder if the book did any better.

    Thank you for your outspokenness, Caralyn, as always.

    Liked by 5 people

    1. Thank you so much Brandon. Yeah, it is definitely not a light show – very graphic, with obviously a heavy topic. Yeah, I applaud them for trying to open up a conversation about the topic, because it is important. Teen suicide is now the second leading cause of death among adolescents. But i’m afraid this did more harm than good. Thanks for your feedback. big hugs to you xox

      Liked by 3 people

    1. Thanks so much. Yeah, it was really a tough one to digest. It really brought up a lot of difficult emotions. I look forward to reading your reflection on it. thanks for stopping by. big hugs xox

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  4. I am appalled by what you describe. I had no idea about this show or book. Two close family members committed suicide, one bipolar before there was any good treatment(1969) and one later with other struggles. The pain of those left behind is enduring. It would have been intolerable if either woman had left letters blaming her family. We know both would have rather lived, but just couldn’t any longer. Mental illness is nobody’s fault and everyone’s heartache if no treatment works.

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    1. Oh Elizabeth, my heart just goes out to you. I am so sorry that you’ve had to walk that path and that it has touched your life so closely. Gosh, I am so sorry. You’re so right – mental illness is no one’s fault. Period. Sending all my love. Thanks for sharing your story. big hugs xo

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you so much Corrie. Gosh, you are kind to say that. Seriously, I am touched and humbled by your kind words. I am just trying to trust that God will lead me where I’m supposed to go. Big hugs to you xo

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  8. I absolutely felt the same way about the show. It gave no hope, it did not show another way out. The show could have had a poweful and helpfup message, but it failed in my eyes.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you so much, Sam. Yeah, the show really was a punch in the gut. Because there *is* hope. Things don’t have to end like they did on the show. I just pray that it doesn’t do more harm than good. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. sending big hugs xo

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Now and then on my blog I write about my walk of faith with my depression. I ask my readers to communally pray for the pastoral community to speak more frequently about mental illness from the pulpit and encourage both the individual and their family to seek professional help. It seems in some churches, speaking about mental illness is taboo. Every church, based on statistics is affected by members with mental illness. I am honored to write in agreement with you to direct people to seek professional help. There are national and local crises lines to call for referrals and of course if serious, go immediately to the hospital. Praying for you and your family.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Rick, thank you so much for sharing part of your story. You’re so right – professional help is so important. It shouldn’t be taboo. Because everyone is carrying something. And it’s okay to need help. Yes. Yes. Yes. Those are such great resources. Because the story doesn’t have to end there. There is hope. And there is always a way out. Always. But the person has to seek help, which is often the hardest thing to do. but the most important. thank you so much for sharing this important perspective. sending massive hugs xox

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    2. Hi Rick, I want to try and give you a little hope. I’m a pastor and I’m part of team that’s working really hard to break down the stigma around mental health struggles in our churches. I’m also coordinating a training workshop for pastors on mental health first aid. So change is happening but I’m truly sorry it’s taken so long.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. You are just so real and true to yourself. I really admire you and hope to meet you someday. I’m in NY for work often. Maybe sometime. Xo

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  11. I understand where you’re coming from, but I’d just like to point out that shows and movies like this often don’t shape society as much as they are shaped by society. In another words, we have a romanticism around suicide already, and not a new one by any means either.

    That being said, I agree wholeheartedly that suicide should not be viewed as a game, like you said, it is permanent, and it will damage those around you.

    Anyways, just adding my two cents : ) hope it doesn’t offend anyone

    Meno<3

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Hi Meno, thank you so much for sharing this perspective. You’re right, sadly, there is a great deal of romanticism around the topic already. It really is sad, when you think about it. It’s like the reality tv/voyeristic obsession our culture has. It is a tragedy. Thanks for sharing. I appreciate it. big hugs xox

      Liked by 1 person

  12. I’m dealing with my 10 year old girl who is excused from school because of suicidal thoughts. That a tv series like this is even created is appalling to me… thanks for your honesty!

    Liked by 2 people

    2. I was 11 when suicidal thoughts first appeared in my head. I am glad a show like this wasn’t around for me to see. There is a possibility that I wouldn’t be here now. I hope your daughter is going to be OK.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you. I do too! I’m so glad the show wasn’t around for you to see back then!…
        We have decided to homeschool my daughter so we hope the stress level will drop and she can comfortably learn while finding out who she is inside. I appreciate your thoughts.

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  13. This is a head-on tackle of the problem and I hope it helps someone. Death is so final and takes away all hope. As long as you are breathing you should have hope. And turning to the heavenly Father is the most hopeful thing I know to do. He is always, there for me. Good article.

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  14. I didn’t know how to feel when watching the series. Like you, I watched all 13 episodes in the matter of a few days, and I found myself thinking, “This is really entertaining but wrong on so many levels, too.” As a 31 year old, I am able to discern and digest such a show, but like you stated so well, what will a teen make of this? What will a teen who might be on edge think after watching a glorified tribute wherein Hannah leaves a legacy of sorts (when in reality there is nothing glorious or legacy worthy)? I think you’ve put much of how I feel about the show into words, and your personal experiences made for a better examination and understanding than I could have imagined. Thank you.

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    1. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. yeah this was definitely a difficult series to digest. Very heavy. And in the hands of an at risk teen, it just makes me very worrisome. Verrrrry worried. Thanks for your thoughtful response. big hugs to you xox

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      1. I appreciate the attention you give to those that comment on your blog. It’s inspired me to respond to all that comment on my work, too. Can I ask how you established your blog in such a way that has led to so many followers and views? Obviously you are a very talented and insightful writer, but what advice would you give a budding blogger? I’m trying to expand my reach and affect more people in positive ways. Thanks!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Thank so much, Matt. I guess, honestly, just write about what you’re passionate about, because that shines through. And also, be sure to publish on all social media feeds. Hope that helps!

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  15. As someone who has suffered with depression and suicidal thoughts this show makes me angry. People come away from it going “I understand depression now”. But they don’t. When I had those thoughts it had nothing to do with anything else. It was with me. I never would have blamed someone for that. Depression and suicide isn’t about being angry with other people, it is about hating yourself. Just hurts because none of my friends know about my struggle and talk about how amazing this show is. And now if I ever tell them I will be compared to that…thanks for the post. I got better and so have you but some people dont. And we aren’t ever “fixed” completely. Thanks for bringing light to this 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi Taylyn, thank you so much for sharing your story. I’m so sorry that it hits so close to home for you. You’re right, there are some things that one will just never understand unless they’ve walked it themselves. I’m so sorry that you’ve had to deal with that and I am sending you just the absolute biggest hug in the world. You are strong and I am inspired by your courage. Thank you again, my friend. much love xoxoxoxo

      Liked by 1 person

  16. did you watch the reasons behind the reasons? Where the producers and actors talked about making the movie. I too really am left a bit disturbed by this show. I think they are gearing up to make another series because why did the one character (the stalker) I can’t remember his name sorry (fibro fog) have a cedar chest of weapons, will the next series deal with mass school shootings? Suicide is on the rise and yes clearly the next generation needs to know that they are not alone and what they are feeling won’t last forever

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    1. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. I did watch the “behind the reasons.” And I was still left just – shocked. Hmm, that’s a really interesting thought. I don’t know if another series is in the works, but i pray that if they do, they handle it with more gravity and don’t romanticize it. Interesting thoughts. Yes, we are never alone. Thanks for stopping by and sharing this. hugs xo

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  18. Good points. I imagine that as a depressed teenager myself I might have been enamored with the ultimate revenge of it. I also didn’t like the blame factor but at the time I didn’t think of that as truth but rather as a depiction of survivor guilt feelings. I do think it’s important for parents to watch. Many of us forget how monumental everything seemed when we were in high school, and now they have social media to worry about.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you so much for sharing this, TCH. Yeah it definitely opens up a dialogue. I just pray it didn’t do more harm than good. Yeah, I can’t imagine the pressures of social media on high schoolers now adays. That way in its infancy when I was in school. Thanks for stopping by. big hugs xo

      Liked by 1 person

  19. Good post, Caralyn. I also binge-watched this show like a week or 2 ago, it’s a very tough and heavy watch, admittedly so.

    Agree with you when you say that there’s a huge flaw with the show because of how it uses blame. In order to glorify and sort of “justify” Hannah’s suicide story.

    On the other hand, I think there was also some good intention behind the story. In the sense that, they probably made this show in order to raise awareness (of abuse) and illustrate what it’s like to suffer/deal with mental illness.

    Just my take on it, hope you don’t mind… 😉 ciao bella ❤

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    1. Thank you so much for this thoughtful reflection. Yeah, it was a tough watch to say the least. I applaud their efforts to open up a dialogue about a topic that really needs to be discussed, but I just pray that in their glorification of Hannah’s death, that they didn’t do more harm than good. Because you’re right – it needs to be talked about. I truly appreciate hearing your take on it! 🙂 big hugs to you x

      Liked by 1 person

  21. This is an excellent post and well said. Suicide is something that hits close to home because I was once suicidal and was going to kill myself years ago, but God stopped me. I am grateful to Jesus for literally saving my life. He has given me the strength to deal with trials and tribulations. He also has given me joy and peace like no one else can. I just want to add that suicide is more than a mental illness, but a demonic spirit that attacks people and drives them to commit suicide. Remember we are not at war with flesh and blood, but satan and his demons. So suicide, depression, anger, hate, bullying, anorexia, just to name a few, aren’t just emotions or mental illnesses, but demonic spirits sent by satan to attack anyone of us. There are ways to fight them, but the best way to fight them is through the power of God and His Word. I pray for all who are dealing with suicide and other things at this time. Have a bless day!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I am so glad that Jesus stepped in and rescued you. Praise God! Yes, we can draw our strength from Him. There is so much hope there. Thank you for having the courage to share your story. I truly appreciate it. Know that you are in my prayers, and I am so inspired by you. Big hugs xox

      Liked by 1 person

  23. I had never heard of this series, and now today I have read two reviews. Having worked with children and families, my interest is definitely piqued now; however, no way will I be watching it with my older boy in the house!

    It’s definitely not a subject to take lightly, and unfortunately, suicide is a subject we are forced to broach with our children. However, it shouldn’t be through media channels, and it shouldn’t be through a glorification of some sort of vindictive revenge. Your insight was valuable – and offers a unique perspective.

    Thank you for sharing!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Anni, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. Yeah, it is definitely not something suitable for children or even teens, in my opinion. You’re right, it is something that needs to be talked about, and I applaud them for opening up the dialogue, but I fear they did more harm than good. thanks for stopping by. big hugs xox

      Liked by 1 person

  24. I talked with my 16 yo about this show as she has been watching it too. She added another great point, that because the girl who committed suicide is the main character it creates the illusion that committing suicide puts you at the center of others’ attention when the truth is the opposite: people move on. Very good point for teen perspective, in my opinion. Thanks, Caralyn!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi Nanette, thank you so much for sharing this. That’s such a great point. Your daughter is very insightful. It’s true – people move on, and the fact is, the person isn’t there to see it. The finality of suicide, in my opinion, was really minimized. Thanks for stopping by. big hugs xox

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Really!? Yeah, Carson, it’s one of those shows that sticks with you, and takes a while to digest. And yes..you should put a lock on your mailbox for the future 😉 But seriously, thank you for taking the time to read. Would love to hear your thoughts! big hugs xox

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      1. I haven’t seen it myself (and likely won’t) but I’ve been hearing and thinking a lot about it, I definitely have some real concern for some of the teenagers in my group who’ve watched it. I’m not really sure yet how to go about opening up that discussion but it’s definitely a critical one to do well. I can appreciate the effort to start it but knowing hollywood a tv series may never not be the negligent way to do it

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      2. Yeah, there is definitely reason for that concern. And you’re right, it’s important to talk about, but I don’t think this show took the responsible route. Amen. thanks Carson. Yeah, if you’re going to watch it, just prepare yourself, because it is a dark and intense one, leaving literally nothing to the imagination. Gratuitously, IMHO

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      3. That’s what I’ve heard, another negligence, which might not be an obvious one to some people but for anyone who’s been around the self-injury community it’s a HUGE trigger hazard (and I’ve heard it increases the risk of a person actually using a method they’ve seen in such detail, too) and it seems like such a major oversight on the part of the producers…gratuitous indeed

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      5. You know, on a TOTALLY almost different note.. one sunday at my old church a lady gave a message on the suffering of Jesus, and laid it all out and described what he physically experienced, to such detail that I left feeling sick, that’s something I’ve been thinking about recently too, considering Easter and all, and while I mean, I think it’s tremendous to understand what Jesus went through for us and at our hands, I think it was important for the people in that generation to see the reality of what they had done to him directly, but that NOW Father has glorified him and made him king of everything. It makes me wonder, how important is that kind of depiction, to magnify his suffering and almost bring with it a shame message on us potentially, and how does it affect the magnification of his glorification? Wow those are bigger words than I thought I’d end up using. I suppose where the connection is, is we say 13 Reasons Why is negligent, but where do you suppose the difference is in Christianity dealing with the suffering of Jesus? And not even mentioning the God’s wrath debate, lol, hmm.

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    1. Hi Brian, thanks for this. Yeah, an abyss it is, for sure. And unconditional love, it is, for sure 🙂 The absolute worst and the absolute best places, respectively. thanks for stopping by. hugs x

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  28. Goodness, yes yes yes. My wife struggled with mental illness, that whole “leaving people behind who will blame themselves” idea is so true. I was constantly, CONSTANTLY blaming myself. Thankfully, she didn’t take her life. Thanks for sharing. As always, you put it so well.

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    1. Than you so much for sharing your story. I’m sorry that this hits home to you so closely. And praise God that she clung to hope and is still with you. And thank you for passing this along to your readers. sending you so much love, and keeping you and your wife in my prayers 🙂 big hugs xox

      Liked by 1 person

  31. I have not watched this series yet. However, a lot of people on my Facebook have been posting about it. I’ve also read a few articles about how social workers are saying, that this series is doing more harm than good, and since being in the mental illness field, I’m not sure that I can or want to bring myself to watch it, especially, after reading your post too. Sadly, this past year I have known four teens who have passed due to suicide, and it is just heart breaking to know that they felt so alone and hopeless, that they thought that was their only option 😦

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    1. Than you so much for sharing this. Yeah, I applaud them trying to open up a dialogue, but i also fear that it is doing more harm than good. It is a very dark watch, so know that going into it. Truthfully, another reason I watched it was because I knew it was being talked about and so I wanted to contribute to the dialogue. Gosh, I am so sorry that you know this tragedy from a personal level That is so heart breaking. You’re right, there is always always another option. thanks for sharing this. big hugs to you xx

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  32. I agree with you on so many posts. I thought I was the only one who felt this way. I read the book long ago before the Netflix series came out and my heart broke for Hannah. It saddens me that this character ( and so many young people out there) feels as if this is the only option. While I agree that suicide is nobodies fault , bullying and picking on someone in such a fragile state doesn’t help them either! My heart grieves for those who don’t have people to lean on during these times! It is pertinent that we treat people with love and empathy because you never know who could be at their worst. Prayers going up for anyone feeling lost alone and desperate! Love and blessings to you girl as well!

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    1. Thank you so much, Sophie, for sharing this. Yeah, my heart broke for her as well. I agree – there is always another option. we are never stuck. Yes, we all need to pray for those who are lost and alone, and struggling. They need prayers and love. Thanks for so beautifully sharing your heart. big hugs xox

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  33. It’s so good to read your article with such a reasonable perspective – that can only come from someone who genuinely takes full responsibility for her life decisions – that attitude towards life empowers us. I’d say there is a complicated cycle of blame & guilt in a situation involving suicide: the person who commits it doesn’t take responsibility and unsurprisingly blames others. Those others don’t know how to handle the blame and/or guilt, as they lack the certainty that we are all forgiven for our sins and the strength to deal with a human tendency to blame as opposed to forgive. Ultimately these feelings develop when there isn’t a genuine relationship with God.

    And it comes as no surprise that nowadays suicide is glamorized: what good reason is there to live without the certainly that there is someone who genuinely loves and cares about you regardless of what you do or who you and/or others think you are? This is a dark world without God. I’ve seen it and didn’t even have a mental illness. Only after my conversion did I start to see light, love and hope everywhere. But that beauty requires spiritual transcendence to be fully experienced – and to not be crushed by our daily struggles.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you so much Milly. I really appreciate it. You’re right, that is an empowering way to live. Yeah, it makes me so sad how glamorized it has become, because it is truly a tragedy. And a preventable one at that. Yes, there *is* hope everywhere. thanks for sharing this. big hugs xo

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  34. My father is alleged to have suicided. Long story re whether he suicided or was murdered but for the best part of thirty years my belief was 100% certain it was suicide. It may or may not be — we’ll now never know and that comes with its own complexities.

    Living with – well being a suicide-bereaved person has been a part of my life for thirty-years. Because of this I found myself being a peer group support worker for suicide bereaved people. Only for about three years.

    I agree with you — nobody wins out of suicide. There are wins from not taking that final step, and for most people who push through that period of time, or those periods of time when they don’t want to die but just want the pain to stop — something changes for the better. It’s incredible how many people I have seen find happiness not long after coming so close.

    I’m not sure if this show is on Netflix here in Australia, not sure it’s my thing anyway but I really appreciate how you have taken it on. One sentence in particular that you use has so much power…”Where were those options in the plot line?” Your one line sums up the irresponsibility of the dramatic arts; it also sums up society failing to be the village that raises the child.

    Love what you wrote. Thank you 🙂

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    1. Hi there friend, gosh, my heart just goes out to you. I am so sorry that you’ve had to endure such a tragedy. It makes my heart ache. Know that you are in my heart and prayers. I’m glad that you’ve found that support group. Because you’re right – it is no ones fault and no one wins. Yes, we need to be the village for all the children. Thank you so much for sharing your story. Sending all my love xoxoxox

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you. I thought I’d let you know that I checked my Netflix account just now – sure enough ’13 Reasons’ is in my suggestions to watch thing.

        Chers 🙂

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  35. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING. Excellent post. This is a sad situation in our country. “Do onto Others” the Golden Rule is no longer taught. If you honor GOD you honor other’s lives. Thank you for sharing with others and giving hope. We all need hope in life, bullying is a horrific crime, I think. God Bless you.

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  36. “Like it or not…we are all responsible for our own realities, plain and simple! This series was produced by a for profit organization seeking to make money, not give a realistic perspective?”

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    1. Thank you so much Kim. You’re right, it’s definitely a topic that should be talked about, but I just don’t think this show did it responsibly. And thank you for having the courage to write about it on your blog. That must not have been easy. thanks for stopping by. big hugs xo

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  39. An inspiring testimony and yes, there is another option… seek professional help! Caralyn, this post is so timely in influencing those who are vulnerable, and are lost! May the Lord continue to use you to inspire and share! ❤

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    1. Oh Iris, what a kind thing to say, thank you for the encouragement. you’re so right — there is *always always always* another option. And i just pray that the at risk teens who watch the show remember that. big hugs xox

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  40. The last episode was very hard to watch but over all I think it was a good show . As an adult that suffered from depression and wanted to take her own life I look at the show totally different. What I got from the show was that it brought awareness. It brought awareness about depression/suicide and most importantly how we treat other people. This show had to do with teenage bullying , I know it’s hard to live with the fact that you might of been the reason why someone took their own life but that’s reality. Children take their own lives due to bullying in school all the time, so to say that there’s no one to blame is not true in this specific scenario.
    I’m all for professional help, If you’re not mentally stable I don’t think watching the show is a good idea because it might steer you in the wrong direction. The show also shows us how schools sometimes do nothing about bullying . We always have options but because so much stigma comes from being mentally unstable sometimes the hardest thing to do is ask for help. I get what you’re saying though. This is just my take on it

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Cristal, thank you so much for sharing your story. I’m so sorry that this hit some so personally for you. And thank you for offering this powerful take on it. You’re right, it definitely brought awareness. And I wholeheartedly applaud them for opening up a dialogue about an issue that needs to be talked about. Thanks again for offering this perspective. Sending you so much love. xox

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  41. You really hit the nail on the head. Just seeing your introduction about a girl saying she blamed thirteen people for her suicide made me cringe. Reading more it sounds more horrible than I would have guessed. Society is really turning matters on their head these days. 😦 Well-written defense for rational and thoughtful thinking.

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    1. Thanks Jeff. I so appreciate the encouragement. As you probably guessed, I was pretty nervous about publishing this one. Looking forward to reading your thoughts. and thanks again for passing this along to your readers. big hugs xox

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  44. Brave post. You’ll probably get some grief for not swooning at the word of the cool kids, but your point about refusing to romanticize suicide to young people is so important and I pray it is heard.

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      1. Now that you say that, I’m conflicted. I was thinking of trying a “scared straight” approach.

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  48. First John 2:9 “Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness.” May the world be reminded this Easter to keep opening our hearts, keep letting the light in. You certainly are letting your light shine bright. I like this post very much.

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