“13 Reasons Why” – An Opportunity to Talk with Young People about Mental Illness

Before I begin, I must admit that I have not watched this series, and have never read the novel, although I plan on dedicating time this summer to do both. Nonetheless, I have thought a lot lately about the controversy surrounding the new Netflix series “13 Reasons Why” and the momentum it has built around the topics of mental illness, suicide, bullying, sexual assault and parenting. At first, I found myself most focused upon, and sharing, the concerns of others within the mental health community, whom I believe have correctly pointed out the series’ potentially unsafe portrayal of several mental… read more →