I think at this point, we’ve all at least heard of the series “13 Reasons Why” streaming on Netflix. But, if you’re living under a rock or just try your best to avoid social media and other people, I’ll give you a bit of insight as to what exactly the series is about.
"13 Reasons Why" follows the story of high school sophomore, Hannah Baker, and a handful of students she went to school with, including Clay Jensen. After Hannah’s untimely suicide, she left a set of seven cassette tapes behind to explain why exactly it is she ended her life. If the tapes find their way to your hands, your name is mentioned, but you have to wait and listen to your tape to understand what hand you had in the death of Hannah Baker.
1. Be aware of how you treat people.
The words you say can’t be taken back; you can’t undo the hurt you’ve brought upon someone else. Be kind, always. You never know what someone is going through.
2. Don’t believe everything you hear, and don’t spread nasty rumors.
As we saw in “13 Reasons Why” rumors can really hurt. Rumors can ruin reputations, friendships, and even lives. Spreading lies and nasty things about people is immature.
3. Pay attention to your friends.
No one seemed to pay attention to the warning signs Hannah was showing. If people had paid more attention, Hannah’s life could’ve been spared.
4. Your parents love you, no matter what.
It may seem like your parents don’t care about you and are only there to make your life miserable, you couldn’t be farther from the truth. Your parents’ life revolves around you, you are their baby…forever.
5. You don't know what someone has going on in their lives.
You may think that “picking on” someone couldn’t lead to suicide, but you’re wrong. Someone could have a lot of pain going on in their lives and you’d never know, because you simply assumed everyone’s life is a happy one.
6. Speak, even if your voice shakes.
If you see someone who is having a hard time, speak up. You could save someone’s life by letting a teacher, parent, counselor, or other trusted adult know about the warning signs you’ve been seeing.
7. Don't be afraid to tell someone that you love them.
Clay loved Hannah, and Hannah loved Clay. Neither one of them had the courage to let each other know the love they had for each other. But, the reason Clay was included in the tapes is because he was afraid to love her, even though loving her may have aided in saving her life.
8. Social media is compounding bullying.
Hannah talked about not being able to escape the way she felt, even at home, which is something that a lot of kids who are being bullied feel. Social media is making it to where the bullying doesn’t end at school like it used to. The taunting, threats, and hurtful words follow people home; they can’t escape the torment. They don’t have anywhere to go, so death seems like their only option.
9. You can't change the past.
Like I said, you can’t take things back once they’ve happened or once words have been said. Live your life for now, the past is behind you, leave it there. Focus on your future. Don’t let other people bring you down by bringing up your past.
10. It's okay to take your time when dealing with things.
Do not tell someone to just “suck it up” and “move on”. Everyone deals with things in different ways, let people deal with their pain the way they need to. Don’t rush someone through their emotional process.
11. Be supportive of your friend after they've been sexually assaulted.
Sexual assault is more common than we want to think, and it’s tough watching someone you love go through something so painful. Be kind, be loving, be supportive, be strong. If you or something you know are dealing with the grief and pain that stem from being a victim of sexual assault, please visit http://onlywithconsent.org/support?gclid=CN2h0YXbotMCFRiBswodFNkN5A.
12. Someone cares about you.
It may not feel like it, but there are people in the world that love and care about you. People who see your potential--even if you don’t; people want your presence in the world. You may feel alone, but I promise you; you’re not.
13. You have a future waiting for you.
You have a future career, future spouse, future kids (if that’s your thing) waiting for you. You could cure cancer, you could write a best-selling novel, there are no limits to what you can do. There are things that only you can do, the world needs the spark that only you bring. You are loved, you are important, you are badass.
If you or someone you know is having problems with sadness, depression, and self harm, please visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ or call 1-800-273-8255.
You are loved.
