The show 13 Reasons Why may be over, but its message is still relevant

I want you to know this article is not to display nostalgia because 13 Reasons Why came to its final season last year, but to talk about how important is to remember that the cautioning messages this TV show offered are still relevant and using the resources 13reasonswhy.info have for us might help you or someone else who is struggling and could need your support right now.

Some of us came to know 13 Reasons Why when the book of Jay Asher was published in 2007; others became fans of it when the TV show with the same name came out in 2007 and the story of Hannah Baker took over the world.

The Netflix show was a global success and all the young actors involved in that project became well-known worldwide. But despite the great achievements of 13 Reasons Why, both the book and the TV show had some detractors who disliked the way certain topics were presented to young audiences. Some parents prohibited the show to their children, and some American schools banned the book and even took copies out of their libraries.

But I guess you already knew that.

So, if you love the book and the TV show as much as I do, please, keep reading to find out some helpful 13 Reasons Why resources that are still available for us, and do not miss the conversation to talk about those topics I had with Dr. Nance Roy who collaborates with The Jed Foundation and has worked on mental health initiatives with the former Surgeon General, the Higher Education Mental Health Alliance, the Department of Defense, The Veteran’s Administration, the Clinton Health Matters Initiative, and college and university systems across The United States of America.

What can we find visiting 13reasonswhy.info?

Besides information about the show, and special videos of cast members giving advice or speaking out about mental health and other topics mentioned on 13 Reasons Why, there are free discussion guides we can use to follow the episodes of the show and start conversations about the struggles Hannah, Clay, Jessica, Tony, and the rest of classmates face throughout the story.

Also, there are lots of resources meant to be helpful to anyone of us, whatever our situation might be. Among them, we can find help about the following topics:

And so much more, including any crisis that you might be experiencing.

Therefore, if you need to know more about it, or feel like needing help, counseling, or assistance, or if you want to talk to somebody about the way you feel, please, check it out because you are not alone.

Interview with Dr. Nance Roy from The Jed Foundation

While researching for this article and reviewing the available resources we can find on 13reasonswhy.info, I got to know The Jed Foundation, a nonprofit institution founded by Donna and Phil Satow, a couple who lost their son Jed to suicide in 1998. This foundation aims to protect emotional health and prevent suicide for teens and young adults in America.

I approached The Jed Foundation seeking professional advice due to the seriousness of topics 13 Reasons Why presents and, also, knowing we always must look for the help of experts because talking about mental health is not a joke.

As a contributor of The Jed Foundation, Dr. Nance Roy agreed to answer some questions that might be helpful for any teenager who needs help or wants to help someone who needs support while dealing with mental health issues, or is thinking about hurting himself, herself, or others.

Therefore, before reading the interview is good for us to know that Dr. Roy earned a BS degree from the University of Rhode Island, an MS from the University of North Carolina, and an Ed.D. from Harvard University; besides, she serves as the Chief Clinical Officer of the Jed Foundation and is an Assistant Clinical Professor at the Yale School of Medicine, Dept. of Psychiatry. 

She has over 20 years of experience as a psychologist working in college mental health.  Also, she served as the Assistant Dean of Health and Wellness at Sarah Lawrence College and most recently was the Associate Dean of Health and Wellness at Rhode Island School of Design. Similarly, earlier in her career she served as Director of Health and Counseling at Sarah Lawrence, and she is a senior advisor for the National College Depression Partnership and publications have focused on effective strategies for treatment and management of at-risk students on college campuses. 

As well, she has been actively involved in college strategic planning initiatives focusing on a holistic approach to education, crisis management, and a public health model for the delivery of care on college campuses.

VT: Even I have such thoughts, can I get better?

Dr. Roy: yes, many people experience mental health challenges at one time or another.  The most important thing to remember is that there is help and you are not alone.  Many people with mental health challenges live fulfilling and productive lives.

VT: What to do if I feel ashamed of telling others about the way I feel and think about my life?

Dr. Roy: while it may be difficult to discuss your concerns, know that stigma surrounding mental health is on the decline among young people.  There are support groups for people struggling with mental health challenges where you can speak with others who are going through similar challenges.

VT: What can I do if I do not trust anyone I know to talk about what is going on in my head?

Dr. Roy: think about those who may have been able to help you with other kinds of challenges in the past. It is likely that they may someone to turn to with your concerns. If speaking to a mental health professional whom you do not know or yet trust is a barrier, speak to a trusted adult and/or friend who can help you get connected to professional help if needed.

VT: What should I do if I consider a film, TV show, or other media I like is, somehow, romanticizing suicide or self-harm?

Dr. Roy: If you feel that a film, TV show, or written material is romanticizing harmful behaviors, it is best to avoid them.  Look for a forum to discuss your concerns – like in a classroom discussion, or with a trusted adult.

VT: Even if I do not have those thoughts, what can I do to help others without being invasive?

Dr. Roy: know the signs of struggle should someone you know be struggling.  Don’t be afraid to reach out, let them know that you notice something may be wrong and you are there to listen and help.  Engage a trusted adult for help should the person reveal concerns that may require professional help.

Before we go

Thanks to the Jed Foundation and Dr. Nance Roy for helping with this article; I am sure that if any person needs more information or is seeking help, he or she can visit JED’s Love is Louder Action Center at www.loveislouder.com and tips, tools, and resources for staying calm, kind, active, connected and if is looking for safety.

Let us remember that at some point we all may suffer from mental health issues; but most importantly, we should never forget there are people who care for us and are willing to help us.

It is also important to keep in mind that nowadays there are plenty of resources available for anything that you might be experiencing; so, do not hesitate in asking for help and look for the help you need, no matter what your situation is.

Also, know this article is informative; we just want to help you know you are not alone; so if needed, please, look for professional help beyond the information we provide here.

Finally, let us recall that the show 13 Reasons Why may be over, but its messages and resources are still available. We all might need them someday but it is also true we can share them with anyone who could be struggling right now.

Spread love and kindness, be safe, and speak out.