13 Reasons Why This Netflix Series Should NEVER Have Aired:

13 Reasons Why is a popular Netflix series that has been highly controversial due to its portrayal of mental health issues. The show, which is based on a book of the same name, follows the story of a teenage girl named Hannah Baker (Katherine Langford) who takes her own life and leaves behind a set of cassette tapes explaining the reasons why she did. While 13RW has been praised for its portrayal of serious issues such as bullying, sexual assault and suicide, it’s also remained under intense scrutiny for its negative portrayal of mental illness and bullying.

13 Reasons Why made depression... corny. Throughout the series, the characters who suffer from mental health problems are portrayed as weak, helpless and unable to cope with their problems. They are often depicted as irrational or unstable, with their problems being dismissed as attention-seeking or melodramatic. This is a harmful and inaccurate portrayal of mental illness, which can lead to further stigmatization and isolation for those who are struggling with finding help. The main series also fails to highlight the importance of seeking help and support for mental health problems, instead suggesting that suicide is a viable solution to these issues.

Another way 13RW negatively displays mental health in is through its graphic depictions of everything from suicide to gun violence to sexual assault. While the show claims to raise awareness, it also shows traumatic events in graphic detail, which can be triggering for those who have experienced suicidal thoughts.

On the flip side, broad-sweeping trigger warnings are generally ineffective. Many television shows utilize nearly identical viewer discretion warnings to promote less graphic material. While similarly targeted shows like Euphoria, Skins UK, or Degrassi can be triggering, they don't actively exclude the same population they claim to represent. In a lot of ways, 13 Reasons Why sets out to be intentionally triggering.

The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention developed a National Strategy for Suicide Prevention in order to promote "accurate portrayals of suicide and mental illnesses in the entertainment industry" and prevent the historical uptick in suicides following graphic media depictions. 13RW also fails to address the fact that mental health issues are complex and multifaceted, and can be caused by a combination of biological, psychological and social factors. Instead, the show presents mental health issues as being caused solely by bullying and traumatic life events, which is both a simplistic and inaccurate portrayal of the issue.

The messaging expert in question just so happened to be Selena Gomez, who originally set out to play Hannah Baker before joining the show as an executive producer.

While 13 Reasons Why has been praised for raising awareness about important issues such as bullying, sexual assault and suicide, not all publicity is good publicity in terms of activism and advocacy. The National Institute of Mental Health reports a 28% increase in deaths by suicide following the shows release than any other month within a five-year period.

The study highlights the importance of major media distributors like Netflix accepting responsibility and accountability when portraying mental health issues, and to avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes and misconceptions. By perpetuating harmful stereotypes and depicting mental health issues in a simplistic and inaccurate manner, this show risks further stigmatizing those who are struggling with these problems.

How to Watch 13 Reasons Why:

13 Reasons Why is available for streaming on Netflix.