National Network of Depression Centers Weighs in on “13 Reasons Why” television series

13 Reasons Why is a new Netflix original series depicting the events surrounding the suicide of fictional high schooler Hannah Baker. From The NNDC:

"Young people, who are often more impulsive, tend to be affected more by contagion. Suicide prevention experts agree on a set of guidelines for responsible reporting on suicide:

  • Avoid normalizing or romanticizing suicide;
  • Provide few details on the method or location of suicide; and
  • Never show photos or video of a suicide.

With its explicit depiction of Hannah’s suicide, 13 Reasons Why disregards all of these guidelines. For those with a history of depression, anxiety, or bipolar illness, this show could be risky to watch."

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