May 12, 2023
If only Sarah Jennings had made it to college, she would have discovered that life continues well beyond high school. She could have reinvented herself outside the confines of her hometown, trauma, and the pressures of adolescence. If only her friends or teachers had taken a moment to listen or offer the right words, Sarah might have had a different story to share instead of leaving behind a tragic legacy.
This longing for connection and understanding has emerged in my discussions with high school students about the impact of the show “13 Reasons Why.” They expressed how its themes resonate with their own lives, particularly in a world where technology accelerates everything. It was my students who introduced me to the show, sharing insights that compelled me to watch it and engage in meaningful conversations.
As a teacher, coach, and mentor, I felt it was crucial to not only watch but also facilitate discussions about the issues presented. The absence of adult voices in the series is striking. Works like “Lord of the Flies,” “The Alchemist,” and “Romeo & Juliet” parallel the themes of youth grappling with identity and despair, but what truly captivated me were the real stories my students shared.
I opened up about my own teenage struggles with mental health, including depression and the temptation of suicide. These experiences shaped my sensitivity as an adult interacting with young people. The most important lesson I took away from the series is that students need to hear adults discuss mental health openly.
While it’s vital for kids to be heard, they also need to learn from the experiences of their parents, teachers, and mentors—lessons that Hannah and her peers were missing. To address this, I initiated a campaign with my students using the hashtag #13ReasonsYouBelong. Freshmen, juniors, and seniors wrote brief notes of encouragement for their classmates, sharing words they wished they had heard during tough times. I joined in as well, and soon our school was filled with uplifting messages.
The response was incredible. We posted over 300 notes around the school, and students eagerly shared these messages on social media, proving that they craved positivity in their lives.
I challenge all adults—parents, teachers, coaches, community leaders, and counselors—to share their stories of resilience and survival regarding mental health, using #13ReasonsYouBelong or any other platform. In this era where teens are captivated by shows like this, it’s essential for adults to engage them, listen to their thoughts, and share their own life lessons from beyond high school.
We need to reach as many young people as possible, offering hope to those who suffer silently during their formative years. For those who have encountered mental illness or have survived suicidal thoughts, your narratives can provide invaluable support to kids who are experiencing similar struggles.
Whatever challenges you face, keep moving forward—then share your story. Leave behind a note of encouragement for others to find and share.
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