"I'm about to tell you the story of my life... more specifically, why my life ended," is an excerpt from a series on Netflix called "13 Reasons Why" and it tells the story of a teen's suicide.
The Netflix series, based on a best selling novel, is getting the attention of school districts across the country because of its serious nature.
That's no exception here in Washoe County where the Washoe County School District sent the message below to every school principal, mentioning the show and offering some advice on suicide warning signs. Each school then had the option to send it to parents.
The school district says to keep an eye on what your kids are watching and when it comes to the show, "13 Reasons Why" ask if they've seen it or heard of it.
Experts do not recommend encouraging your kids to watch, but if they have seen it or want to, they say to try and watch it with them.
School psychologists and counselors are also available for parents or kids that need help and they say to reach out for help if you see any these signs of suicide in your kids or their classmates.
From Washoe County School District:
One show has caught the attention of WCSD educators recently: “13 Reasons Why” airs on Netflix, and is based upon a young adult best-selling book about a high school student who dies by suicide and leaves behind audiotapes detailing the events that led to her death. The series covers topics including substance use/abuse, bullying, sexual assault, stalking, violence, and suicide.
As a District, we are concerned about the possible impacts on students who may be struggling to understand and cope with the topics addressed in this series, and our school psychologists and counselors are available to help. We urge our parents and families to be aware of their children’s media use and behavior, and reach out for help and support from your school psychologist or counselor if your child or someone you know is exhibiting any of the following warning signs detailed below:
- Suicide threats, both direct (“I am going to kill myself.” “I need life to stop.”) and indirect (“I need it to stop.” “I wish I could fall asleep and never wake up.”). Threats can be verbal or written, and they are often found in online postings.
- Giving away prized possessions
- Preoccupation with death in conversation, writing, drawing, and social media
- Changes in behavior, appearance/hygiene, thoughts, and/or feelings. This can include someone who is typically sad who suddenly becomes extremely happy.
- Emotional distress
- Ask your child if they have heard or seen the series 13 Reasons Why. While we don’t recommend that they be encouraged to view the series, do tell them you want to watch it, with them or to catch up, and discuss their thoughts.
- If they exhibit any of the warning signs above, don’t be afraid to ask if they have thought about suicide or if someone is hurting them. Raising the issue of suicide does not increase the risk or plant the idea. On the contrary, it creates the opportunity to offer help.
- Ask your child if they think any of their friends or classmates exhibit warning signs. Talk with them about how to seek help for their friend or classmate. Guide them on how to respond when they see or hear any of the warning signs.
- Listen to your children’s comments without judgment. Doing so requires that you fully concentrate, understand, respond, and then remember what is being said. Put your own agenda aside.
- Get help from a school-employed or community-based mental health professional if you are concerned for your child’s safety or the safety of one of their peers.
See Preventing Youth Suicide Brief Facts (also available in Spanish) and Preventing Youth Suicide: Tips or Parents and Educators for additional information.
If you or someone you know is in a crisis and at risk for suicide, please call the National Suicide LifeLine—(800) 273-8255
Suicide Resources are here:
http://suicideprevention.nv.gov/
School Counselors and School Psychologists are here to help. Please contact your child’s school or the WCSD Counseling Department at: (775) 850-8011 or http://www.washoeschools.net/Page/844 (*this is the link to the suicide intervention & resources page under counseling)
