Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,
The counseling services staff at the Wellness Center would like to address public concerns related to the book and recently released Netflix series “13 Reasons Why.” Many of you have heard about or seen the series, but for those who haven’t, the book and series portrays a 17-year-old girl who commits suicide and leaves behind audio recordings for 13 people who, she says, in some ways were part of why she killed herself.
- You may have similar experiences and thoughts as some of the characters in “13 Reasons Why,” as people often identify with characters they see on TV or read about in a book. However, it is important to remember that there are healthy ways to cope with the topics covered in “13 Reasons Why,” which will be provided to you within this email.
- Suicide is NOT a typical response to life’s challenges or adversity. The vast majority of people experiencing the same situations as the characters in the book and series, typically talk to others, seek help or find other productive and positive ways of coping.
- It is important to know that, in spite of the portrayal of a serious treatment failure in “13 Reasons Why,” there are many treatment options for life challenges, distress, and mental illness. Treatment does work.
- Hannah’s (the main character) tapes blame others for her suicide. Suicide is never the fault of survivors of suicide loss. There are resources and support groups for suicide loss survivors.
- How the guidance counselor in “13 Reasons Why” responds to Hannah’s thoughts of suicide is not appropriate and not typical of most counselors. Mental health counselors and professionals at school and in the community are a trustworthy source of help. If your experience with a counselor at school or in the community is unhelpful, seek other sources of support such as a different counselor or a crisis hotline. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is available at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text “START” to 741741.
- While not everyone will know what to say or have a helpful reactions, there are people who do, so keep trying to find someone who will help you. The Wellness Center at Hudson Valley Community College is available to all students for counseling, as well as offering referrals to community resources when necessary. If someone tells you they are suicidal, take them seriously and get help. It is important not to judge the individual who shares their thoughts of suicide with you. Listen. Be caring and kind. Offer to stay with them. Offer to go with them to get help or contact a crisis line.
- Suicide affects everyone and everyone can do something to help if they see or hear warning signs that someone is at risk of suicide. Suicide warning signs include the following:
- Suicide threats, both direct (“I am going to kill myself.” “I need to end my life.”) and indirect (“I need it to stop.” “I wish I could fall asleep and never wake up.”). Threats can be verbal or written, and they often can be found in online postings on social media.
- Giving away prized possessions.
- Preoccupation with death in conversation, writing, drawing, and social media.
- Changes in behavior, appearance/hygiene, thoughts, and/or feelings. This can include someone who is typically sad who suddenly becomes extremely happy.
- Emotional distress.
Suicide is never a heroic or romantic act. Suicide is NOT a solution to any problem. It is important to keep in mind that the book and series “13 Reasons Why” was created for entertainment purposes. Suicide can be a difficult topic to discuss. If you are having thoughts of suicide, know of someone who is having thoughts of suicide or want to know more about suicide prevention and support seek out the resources below for assistance. Suicide IS preventable. Reach out to the college and community resources listed below should you or someone you know have thoughts of suicide. There are professionals ready to help you. If you have any questions feel free to stop by Counseling Services at the Wellness Center (CTR 270).
Local
Wellness Center Counseling Services
Hudson Valley Community College, CTR 270
Samaritan Hospital Crisis Center
2215 Burdett Avenue, Troy, NY 12180
518-271-3540
Capital District Psychiatric Center
75 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208
518-549-6000
CDPC Crisis Hotline: 518-447-9650
The Samaritans — Suicide Prevention Center: 518-689-HOPE (4673)
National
National Suicide Lifeline Available 24/7: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Text “START” to 741741
Visit StopASuicide.org to learn more about suicide prevention and additional resources
Best Wishes,
Counseling Services Staff at the Wellness Center
References
Suicide Awareness Voices of Education, www.save.org
The Jed Foundation, www.jedfoundation.org
Published: Mon, 08 May 2017 12:16:16 +0000 by k.weeks