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TV Show Prompts Discussion about Suicide

Published April 27, 2017

Over the past few weeks many students have been talking about a series on Netflix called Thirteen Reasons Why (13RY) which tells the story of a high school student who has died by suicide but before she died, she made a series of tapes explaining what each person in her circle has done to hurt her. The show has received a great deal of media attention and has raised concern from parents, educators and mental health professionals.

“If your child has not watched the show, I strongly recommend that you preview it first to decide if you feel it’s appropriate,” said WCS Counseling Specialist Becky Mitchell. “If your child has watched it, click here for a list of Talking Points developed by Suicide Awareness Voices of America (SAVE) and the JED Foundation to assist you in having a frank conversation about the show as it relates to the topics of suicide, bullying and mental health. These are important issues that need to be addressed in a supportive, healthy and sensitive manner.”

According to Nolensville High and Mill Creek Middle School Students Taking A Right Stand (STARS) Specialist Kelly Swiggart, suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-24 and that number is increasing.

“As a counseling staff, we agree that awareness needs to be raised around the issues of bullying, self-harm, rape and suicide,” said Swiggart. “The statistics are tragically rising on each of those issues.”

Below you will information information compiled by Swiggart regarding known risk factors and warning signs, as well as who to turn to for help.

Know the Risk Factors:

  • Mental disorders, depression and anxiety
  • Loss of relationship(s)
  • Easy access to lethal means
  • Alcohol and other substance use disorders
  • Local clusters of suicide
  • Hopelessness
  • Lack of social support and sense of isolation
  • Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
  • Stigma associated with asking for help
  • History of trauma or abuse
  • Lack of healthcare, especially mental health
  • Major physical illnesses
  • Previous suicide attempt(s)
  • Exposure to others who have died by suicide (in real life or via the media and Internet)
  • Job or financial loss
  • Family history of suicide

Know the Warning Signs:

  • Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
  • Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun
  • Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
  • Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
  • Talking about being a burden to others
  • Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
  • Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
  • Sleeping too little or too much
  • Withdrawing or isolating themselves
  • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
  • Extreme mood swings

If you or someone you know exhibits any of these symptoms, seek help immediately by contacting your school counselor. The Suicide Prevention Life Line is also available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255 and the State Crisis line at 1-866-791-9222.