13 Reasons Why You should Watch

All photos taken from the series 13 Reasons Why

I just finished Season 3 of Netflix's 13 Reasons Why and whether you're a fan or not, there are at least 13 reasons why I find it so intriguing. If you have a sibling or a child in high school, it should be something you watch. It is such an impactful series with what teens have been going through for generations, and especially what teens go through today. High school is such a fragile time in life where you really start to make your way from a child to what you think is an adult. It's at this point in life where you begin to experience adult situations and decisions. You learn about ripple effects and accountability. This series is so good with taking today's high school culture and exploiting all these really complex issues that are not being discussed. The creators of the show were very careful in how they could bring these situations to light in a real way without glorifying them. The point is to create dialogue amongst viewers to help eliminate the silence of these issues. ****(Spoiler)**** Some of the important issues covered are along the lines of rape/sexual abuse situations, substance abuse, gun violence/mass school shootings, suicide/death, and over all mental health issues.

I know this sounds like a show that you don't want to watch due to the graphic nature (and the disclaimer before the show about content sensitivity), but it is so important to realize that it could help you recognize things in love ones that may save them. I have a high schooler who watches the show and I appreciate when he comes to me with his opinions about the show and how it relates to school. I don't have to ask him because he knows I watch it and he will ask questions after seeing episodes. The show literally helps open up conversation about these important issues that would otherwise be really awkward to ask. Even as an adult, I took away so many things. Some of them are reminders of things my grampa and mom told me while I was growing up! I'm grateful that they cared enough to share these things and knowledge with me. And if no one ever shared these things with you, I am sharing them now!

Here is my list of 13 reasons why you need to watch 13 Reasons Why (aka take aways)

1. Inspire room for change! There's always room for change.

2. Be kind to everyone you meet, you never know what they are going through.

3. It's ok to ask for or need help.

4. Vulnerability is not a weakness. It shows strength.

5. Learn how to put empathy and humanity hand in hand.

6. Have radical acceptance. Tell someone you are there for them to help foster a safe space.

7. Sexual assault is not just a female issue.

8. Substance abuse is a sickness.

9. Learn accountability.

10. Inspire change through positive conversations.

11. Hurt people hurt people (Ask if someone is ok)

12. Having friends is an awesome thing.

13. Mental health is so important and being there for someone may help prevent a tradgedy.

Before and after each episode, the cast provides resources for help. Here are some of those resources listed below.

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or text Crisis Text Line at 741-741.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, you can seek help by calling the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673).

For more resources on sexual assault, visit SafeBae, RAINN, End Rape on Campus, Know Your IX, and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center.

Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) anytime if you are in the United States. It’s free and confidential.

Find more resources at http://13reasonswhy.info.

Find out how you can help someone in crisis at http://www.bethe1to.com.

I hope that this post can at least inspire you guys to pay attention, ask questions, and foster safe spaces for the people you care about or may not even know yet. Everyone is fighting their own battles. How will you help?

With Love,

Micole Elise

#13REASONSWHY #MENTALHEALTH