I often reflect on how different things might have been for a character like Hannah Baker if she had reached college. She could have discovered that life continues beyond 18 and that transformation is possible, regardless of the trauma or limitations tied to her past, hometown, or school.
What if Clay, Ms. Rivera — or any of the adults in her life — had taken the time to listen or said just the right thing? Perhaps Hannah would have had a narrative filled with hope instead of one defined by tragedy. If only someone had offered the right words of encouragement at the right moment, we might have avoided this heartbreaking story.
These thoughts, among many others, emerged during discussions with my high school students about the profound impact of the series 13 Reasons Why. Their lives, often governed by the relentless pace of technology, resonated deeply with the themes of the show. It was my students who first introduced me to its complex intricacies, compelling me to watch and engage with them on the subject.
As a teacher, coach, and mentor, I realized the necessity of engaging with my students about this series, especially since it has been compared to cultural touchstones like My So-Called Life. This connection made it imperative for me to participate in these conversations, positioning me as a relatable figure rather than just an authority.
So, I watched the series intently, prepared to listen to my students. One crucial aspect of the show is its deliberate exclusion of adult voices, which echoes the themes found in literature like Lord of the Flies and Romeo & Juliet. Yet, it was my students’ real-life stories that captivated me most.
In sharing my own experiences with mental health challenges, I opened up discussions that many characters in 13 Reasons Why never had the opportunity to explore. My personal battles with depression and suicidal thoughts have shaped my understanding and sensitivity as an educator. The most vital lesson I extracted from the show, despite its contentious scenes, is the pressing need for young people to hear adults openly discuss mental health and suicide.
While it’s essential for kids to be heard, it’s equally important that they receive guidance and support from their parents, teachers, and mentors—something that the fictional characters sorely lacked.
To address this, I launched a small initiative with my students, adopting #13ReasonsYouMatter as our rallying cry. We encouraged freshmen, juniors, and seniors to write uplifting notes for their peers—words they wished they had heard or believed would help others. I joined in too, contributing my own messages. The initiative quickly took off, and we shared over 300 notes on lockers, inspiring students to snap photos and share their own messages across social media platforms.
I challenge all parents, educators, community leaders, and counselors to seize this opportunity to share your own stories of resilience, mental health, and survival using #13ReasonsYouMatter or any variation that resonates with you. It’s crucial for kids, who are currently engrossed in a show such as this, to have adults around them who listen and share their experiences beyond the confines of adolescence.
Let’s reach out to as many teens and adults as we can, offering hope to those who silently struggle during their formative years. We can encourage adults living with mental illness and those who have faced suicidal thoughts to share their journeys with young people who are navigating similar challenges.
They are engaged, they are listening, and they are absorbing information at lightning speed. So, let’s start the conversation.
Feel free to use #13ReasonsYouMatter or your own unique version of this message.
Consider these questions:
- What message would you convey to younger children grappling with mental health issues?
- What encouragement can you offer a generation that can sometimes be cruel and hurtful at the speed of technology?
- For those impacted by suicide, what insights can you provide for youths who share similar experiences?
Whatever you’re facing, persist and share your narrative. Leave a note of encouragement for others to find, and let’s foster a culture of support and understanding.
For more insights on navigating mental health and the journey of parenthood, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination from Healthline. Additionally, if you’re interested in boosting fertility, make sure to visit this authority on the topic.
Summary:
This article discusses the importance of open conversations about mental health among students and adults, inspired by the series 13 Reasons Why. It emphasizes the need for support and encouragement, urging adults to share their experiences with mental health challenges using #13ReasonsYouMatter. The initiative encourages students to write uplifting notes for their peers, fostering a culture of empathy and understanding.