I have recently watched the second season of "13 Reasons Why," and at the end (SPOILER) we see Hannah Baker's list of reasons why not.
Unfortunately, her reasons why not did not pass her reasons why. It is interesting to see that there is a possibility everyone who has committed suicide or attempted suicide could have made this list. So this begs the question: what would be on your Reasons Why Not list?
When I attempted suicide, I never made this list, so I think I am going to share my list with you and the explanation for each reason. I encourage those who have these types of suicidal thoughts to make a Why Not list.
You may be surprised at what ends up on your list.
1. Parents
They were always there for me. They provided for me, and even though I felt like a burden to them, I know that they would want me to live and succeed and not to leave them on this earth.
My mom always said, "Children should bury their parents, not the other way around." She was right in so many ways. My dad always encouraged me to fulfill my dreams, and I do not know where I would be without him. So, even though I have had some ups and downs with them, I wouldn't want to leave them daughterless.
2. Brother
My older brother and I were not close growing up, but when we reached college, we grew so much closer. My brother does not share his feelings all that much, but I do know that if I were to leave, it would impact his life so much. I would not want him to feel any guilt or blame for me leaving.
3. A.R.B.L.
These letters stand for my four best friends. I have known two of them for almost 12 years, and the other two I have known for two years.
I do not know where I would be in my life if I did not have them to lean on. They make my days full of laughter, and I always know that when I feel super bad, I can always be with them. I feel like that they would be better off without me, but I would be worse off without them. Thank you to the best of friends a girl could ask for.
4. Ghost
Ghost is my dog. He is the sweetest pitbull-terrier anyone could ever meet. Not having him seems unimaginable, and I would not be without him for a moment.
He has made my bad days better and my good days good by just being himself. People stare at us and show fear, but I know that at the end of the day, I will always love him and I could not imagine the pain he would feel if I was no longer here.
My list could go on to school, college and my future dreams, but I think I will stop with my top four reasons. If I had thought about my list back in 2014, I probably would not have attempted.
For those who are thinking about committing suicide, I encourage you to make your Why Not list. For every reason you have to do it, come up with five reasons not to. It does not matter how small the reason. Any reason not to is a good reason!
You are all beautiful and worth being on this earth! Please reach out and realize that you are so special. If you know anyone who is going through this, please share this article so that they know they are worth being on this earth!
I encourage those who are interested to watch "13 Reasons Why."
I do warn that there are some graphic, violent situations that happen, so if you do not think you are mentally prepared to handle watching it, I do not recommend you to watch it.
IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW ARE STRUGGLING WITH SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND/OR TENDENCIES, REACH OUT IMMEDIATELY. NO ONE SHOULD GO THROUGH THIS ALONE. SUICIDE IS SERIOUS.
National Suicide Hotline: 1 (800) 273-8255 - available 24/7
