"Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" Is Way Better At Talking About Mental Health Than "13 Reasons Why" | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

"Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" Is Way Better At Talking About Mental Health Than "13 Reasons Why"

"13 Reasons Why" glorifies suicide, it doesn't spark a good conversation.

330
"Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" Is Way Better At Talking About Mental Health Than "13 Reasons Why"
@Racheldoesstuff

Being someone with a mental illness, I am very critical of shows, movies and books that attempt to talk about it. That said, I LOVED “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” a wacky musical series about Rebecca Bunch, who moves to California to chase after her ex-boyfriend Josh. All three seasons were recently put on Netflix and I would highly recommend it.

 

Alternatively, I have also watched “13 Reasons Why,” a Netflix series that follows the “friends” of Hannah Baker as she blames them for her suicide via cassette tapes.  

 

While both shows deal with issues of mental health and relationships and even suicide, “13 Reasons Why” failed epically in creating a show that could reach out to and help those of us who are dealing with mental illness. Jay Asher, author of the book, and the producers of the show claim they were aiming at starting a conversation about mental health, all they did was trigger those of us who have dealt with depression and sexual assault.

 

“13 Reasons Why” depicts depression as the effect of bullies and lets Hannah blame everyone but herself for her actions. On the other hand, “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” shows more of the reality of living with a mental illness. Rebecca has a vague diagnosis and uses medication to help control it. While she does act “crazy,” it is still her actions and in the end, she takes full responsibility for them. Hannah gets an out by blaming her suicide on everyone around her, thus causing her friends to also blame each other.

 

It is important not to blame mental illness for your actions. It’s not an out that lets you do whatever you want. 

 

Even more importantly, is how the shows depict relationships. “13 Reasons Why” makes it seem like Hannah had no support system. That nobody cared about her. This is damaging for people with mental illness because often times we do feel like nobody cares about us, but that is not true. If the producers of “13 Reasons Why” really wanted to help people with mental illnesses, they would have shown that Hannah had a support system, like “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” did. Rebecca had friends who rallied around whenever she needed them and even her mother (who she hated) was there to help.

 

“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” also shows treatment for Rebecca’s mental illness. Throughout the show, Rebecca sees multiple therapists and uses medication. This shows viewers there are options other than suicide. Whereas “13 Reasons Why” doesn’t even attempt to show that Hannah has resources. In fact, when Hannah tries to get help, she gets turned away, showing viewers that getting help is hopeless.

 

“13 Reasons Why” ultimately glorifies suicide. 

 

While both shows have suicide in them, how they go about showing them is completely different. Rebecca attempts suicide using pills and the actual attempt does not make it on screen. However, it does show her getting help soon after and waking up in the hospital surrounded by loved ones. “13 Reasons Why,” on the other hand, has a graphic suicide scene.

Aside from the fact that it was completely unnecessary it was also triggering and led to some copycat suicides.

 

Basically, “13 Reasons Why” is the worst thing to happen to people with mental illnesses since mental illness.

 

Do not watch “13 Reasons Why.”

 

Instead, watch a whimsical, musical series full of wacky misadventures and actually good lessons about mental illness, like "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend".

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

162585
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

49259
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

43964
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments