#13ReasonsYouBelong: A Message My Students and I Hope to Share Across Your Campus

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If only Olivia Green had made it to college! She would’ve realized that life doesn’t abruptly end after high school, and that you can reinvent yourself far beyond the drama, trauma, or small-town woes you feel trapped in right now.

If only her friends or teachers had been able to lend an ear or offer just the right words, Olivia might have had a story to share instead of a tragic tape to listen to. If only the right encouragement had reached her, we might not be grappling with such heartache.

These reflections, among countless other personal anecdotes, arose in discussions with my high school students about the impact of the show 13 Reasons Why. They talked about how the series resonated with their lives, especially in a world where their smartphones seem to dictate reality.

My students shared their insights about the show, its themes, and those intense visual moments that compelled me to watch it myself. As a teacher, coach, and dad, I felt an obligation not just to view it but also to facilitate discussions afterward. Plus, with the show being described as the modern My So-Called Life and featuring adults my age, I found myself uniquely positioned to engage.

So I watched. And watched. And watched. I was primed to listen closely to my students, as the series intentionally excludes adult perspectives. Stories like Lord of the Flies, The Alchemist, Romeo & Juliet, and Siddhartha align seamlessly with Olivia’s narrative of legacy, the chaos of youth, and the bewilderment that comes with growing up. But it was my students’ stories that truly captivated me.

I also opened up about my own teenage experiences, which none of the characters in 13 Reasons Why had the chance to do. As someone who has faced depression, mental health struggles, and the temptations of suicide—both personally and within my circle—I’ve developed a sensitivity toward these issues in my work with young people.

My biggest takeaway from the series, despite the controversies surrounding it, is that kids need to hear adults talking openly about mental health and suicide. Yes, they need to be heard, but they also need to hear from parents, teachers, and mentors what Olivia and her peers missed out on.

This realization sparked a small campaign among my students. Using #13ReasonsYouBelong as our rallying cry, I encouraged my freshmen, juniors, and seniors to write uplifting notes for their classmates. Their assignment was simple: pen a quick note with something they needed to hear during tough times, or words of encouragement for others. Naturally, I joined in as the resident adult.

The outcome was incredible—we ended up posting over 300 notes on lockers, and in true teenage fashion, kids began snapping photos and sharing them online (because apparently, Facebook is for “old folks”).

I’m challenging all parents, teachers, coaches, community leaders, and counselors to seize this moment to share your own stories about navigating mental illness and depression. Use #13ReasonsYouBelong or any other format that resonates. While kids are engrossed in shows like this, let’s ensure they have adults around to discuss their feelings and share experiences from life beyond 18.

I aim to reach as many teens and adults as possible, shining a light of hope for those silently struggling during their middle and high school years. Let’s encourage adults with mental health challenges, or those who have faced suicidal thoughts, to communicate their journeys to these young people.

They’re listening, reading, and sharing at lightning speed, so let’s start spreading those messages of hope.

Feel free to use #13ReasonsYouBelong or adapt it to fit your narrative.

Consider these questions:

• What wisdom would you impart to younger kids grappling with mental health issues?
• What kind words can you offer to a generation that can sometimes hurt each other with just a click?
• And for those who have battled suicide, what can you share with kids who might feel the same way you once did?

Whatever your story, keep moving forward—and don’t forget to share it with the world.

In case you want to dive deeper into related topics, check out this insightful post or learn more from the experts at Make a Mom. For those navigating pregnancy, March of Dimes is an excellent resource.

Summary:

In this heartfelt message, Jamie McKeen reflects on the impact of 13 Reasons Why and the importance of adults engaging with teens about mental health. He encourages a campaign using #13ReasonsYouBelong to spread words of encouragement among students and calls on adults to share their experiences and offer hope.