In the final episode of our Picture This series on the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why, we discuss how to talk about suicide at both the individual and societal level. We’ll discuss how characters in the show react to Hannah’s  mental health crisis and then explore strategies for what to do when someone discloses suicidal thoughts to you. We’ll also examine the public health reaction and controversy around the series 13 Reasons Why, focusing especially on the concerns raised about the depiction of Hannah’s death. We’ll discuss how the show has influenced national discourse on mental health and suicide, examining both its helpful and potentially harmful effects on more vulnerable viewers.

Photo credit: Darren Finders, “Abandoned- RAF Steingot Lincolshire,” Flickr

Episode Music Credits: Javier Suárez, Tumbling Dishes, Better With Music

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

In the second episode of our Picture This series, we will use the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why as a vehicle for exploring and understanding reactions to suicide. The characters in the show have a wide range of reactions to suicide, which span from anger to grief to altruism. We discuss these different reactions in the show and explore their meaning. We also discuss the concept of violent death, how it differs from natural death, and how it impacts the grieving process.

Photo credit: Tydence Davis, “Cactus and moonlight,” Flickr

Episode Music Credits: Javier Suárez, Tumbling Dishes, Better With Music

Podcast: Play in new window | Download