Mental Health Awareness Month – 13 Things You Should Know
Mental Health Awareness Month –
13 Things You Should Know
Do you know that there is a popular new series on Netflix (“13
Reasons Why”) that is written for a middle-school/ teenage audience? The story
is about a seventeen year old girl named Hannah Baker, who ends her life and
leaves behind a series of recordings to her classmates that describe the
difficult events which led to her decision.
The series is currently being widely viewed and discussed among middle
and high school aged kids. Below are 13
things you should know to identify potential suicidal behavior:
For Families:
* Kids may easily
identify with TV characters, especially in programs developed specifically for
a middle/high school age audience.
* Conversation
about new topics helps teens develop insight and better understand the world
around them.
* There is no
single cause of suicide. Suicide is most
commonly the combined result of a treatable illness and intolerable stressors.
* Ask your kids if
they have watched the show 13 Reasons Why.
Use it as a way to open a supportive conversation with them that sends a
clear message that you are paying attention to their emotional well-being and
are there for them if they are struggling.
* If you recognize
any of the warning signs above, doing be afraid to ask about them. Raising the issue of suicide does not plant
the idea. Instead, it creates an
opportunity to offer help.
* Ask you child if
they think any of their friends or classmates are exhibiting warning signs. Talk with them about how to seek help for
their friend.
* Listen to your
teen’s comments without judgment.
* Get help from a
community based Mental Health Professional if you are concerned about your
child’s safety or the safety of one of their peers.
For Young Adults:
* Don’t be afraid
to talk to your friends about how they feel and let them know that you care
* Be a positive
member of your school and reach out or tell an adult if you see
someone struggling.
* Never promise to
keep secrets that represent a danger toward another person.
* Remember that
suicide is preventable. People
considering suicide often say or does something that is a warning sign before
taking action. Always take warning signs
seriously.
* Never leave a
suicidal person alone – find a trusted adult and tell them what is happening.
Adapted from National
Association of School Psychologists (2017). 13 Reasons Why Netflix series: Considerations for educators (handout),
Bethesda, ME: Author.