Helping Give Away Psychological Science/What We Wish They Knew: 13 Reasons Why

13 Reasons Why (stylized onscreen as Th1rteen R3asons Why) is an American drama-mystery web television series based on the 2007 novel Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher and adapted by Brian Yorkey for Netflix. The series revolves around a high school student, Clay Jensen, and his friend Hannah Baker, a girl who died by suicide after suffering a series of demoralizing circumstances brought on by select individuals at her school. A box of cassette tapes recorded by Hannah before her suicide details thirteen reasons why she ended her life.

While the TV series indeed serves as a "conversation starter" concerning mental illness and suicide, there is concern for whether it lays the groundwork for a productive conversation. There are many troubling elements of the TV series, including its failure to demonstrate the availability of adequate, evidence-based mental healthcare and counseling. According to the NIMH, suicide is the second leading cause of death for 15-34 year-olds and the third leading cause of death for people aged 10-14. The NIMH also estimates that 20% of children will develop a mental health disorder in their lifetime, affecting 17.1 million children. Suicide and mental health disorders are significant risks to adolescents, many of whom have watched the 13 Reasons Why series. Thus, it is critical that resources be provided in order to better educate audiences about the themes in this series and address the negatively framed depiction of mental health treatment in the series.

For more information about Hannah Baker from a clinician's point of view including her diagnosis, treatment, what to look for, resources for individual's struggling with depression, suicidal ideation, self-harm, or family/friends of loved ones struggling, how to help someone like Hannah, and evidence-based assessment for someone like Hannah Baker please visit:

 Hannah Baker's Evidence-Based Assessment Vignette 

''If you click on one of the themes in the table above, you can find a list of resources related to the topic. An in-depth look at the themes in each episode in the sections that follow.''

How to Access Mental Health Care and Treatment
Find a CBT specialist

APA Therapist locator

How to get help now
National Hopeline 1-800-442-4673

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline  1-800-273-8255

Ted talk link: https://www.ted.com/talks/kevin_breel_confessions_of_a_depressed_comic

How to Help Someone Like Hannah
When someone is struggling with suicidal thoughts, depression, or mental illness it is important to approach the situation a certain way, not like Mr. Porter did with Hannah Baker. Below are some resources to help you get a friend, family member, colleague, acquaintance or partner to a stable point or out of dangers way before getting them connected to professional help.


 * Here is an infographic describing 5 mental health first aid steps on how to assess for risks, listen non-judgmentally, encourage professional help and self-help: Helping Someone At Risk
 * Here is an infographic describing common warning signs for people experiencing suicidal ideation: Warning Signs for Suicidal Ideation


 * Infographic on what is best to say and what you shouldn't say to a friend experiencing depression: 13 Things To Say & 13 Things Not To Say To A Friend With Depression     
 * Click this link to see what to look for to help you assess for risk: What to look for

Episode 1: Tape 1, Side A
Coping with loss from suicide


 * Resources from the Mayo Clinic on how to deal with emotions that can surface due to the event as well as healthy coping strategies.
 * https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/end-of-life/in-depth/suicide/art-20044900?pg=1


 * This resource addresses similar coping strategies and how to seek support from others/ how to help a friend who might be struggling with a loss due to suicide.
 * https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/suicide-survivors-face-grief-questions-challenges-201408127342

Cyberbullying


 * 1-800-273-8255 National Suicide Hotline (can be made specific for cyberbullying)
 * 1-866-488-7386 LGBTQ Help Hotline
 * Stop Bullying Now Hotline 1-800-273-8255 available 24/7
 * https://www.cybersmile.org/advice-help/category/who-to-call
 * https://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/prevention/index.html
 * https://www.helpguide.org/articles/abuse/cyberbullying.htm
 * http://www.cyberbullyhotline.com
 * https://cyberbullying.org/get-help


 * Spreading compromising pictures is harmful. The resource below has ideas for how teens and parents can help individuals struggling with the effects of cyberbullying and how to prevent it.
 * http://www.connectsafely.org/tips-for-dealing-with-teen-sexting/

Episode 2: Tape 1, Side B
Depression


 * SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
 * National Helpline 1-800-662-4357 available 24/7
 * Crisis Text Line : Text "HOME" to 741741
 * https://www.nami.org/learn-more/mental-health-conditions/depression/support
 * https://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/helping-someone-with-depression.htm
 * Anxiety and Depression Association of America 1-240-485-1001

Bullying
 * https://www.cybersmile.org/advice-help/category/who-to-call
 * Bully Project Tools for Educators
 * https://www.cybersmile.org/advice-help/category/who-to-call
 * Bully Project Tools for Students
 * http://www.thebullyproject.com/tools_students
 * Bully Project Tools for Parents
 * http://www.thebullyproject.com/parents
 * http://www.voicesofyouth.org/en/posts/how-to-avoid-being-bullied
 * http://www.stompoutbullying.org/information-and-resources/about-bullying-and-cyberbullying/are-you-being-bullied
 * https://www.stopbullying.gov/what-you-can-do/teens/index.html
 * https://www.ncab.org.au/bullying-advice/bullying-for-parents/types-of-bullying/
 * Crisis Text Line: Text Hello to 741741
 * https://www.crisistextline.org/get-help/bullying
 * https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Resource_Centers/Bullying_Resource_Center/Home.aspx

Social Relationships/ Domestic Violence?


 * National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233
 * Domestic Violence Resource Center 503-469-8620
 * https://www.dvrc-or.org/community-resources/
 * The Gateway Center for Domestic Violence Services 503-988-6400
 * National Dating Abuse Helpline 1-866-331-9474


 * https://www.thehotline.org/
 * https://www.joinonelove.org/signs-unhealthy-relationship/
 * https://www.helpguide.org/articles/abuse/domestic-violence-and-abuse.htm
 * http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/abuse.html
 * https://youth.gov/youth-topics/teen-dating-violence/characteristics

Substance Misuse


 * SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) National Hotline 1-800-662-4357
 * https://www.samhsa.gov/
 * https://alcoholaddictioncenter.org/alcoholism-resources/
 * https://drughelpline.org/
 * https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/treatment/what-to-do-if-you-have-problem-drugs-teens-young-adults
 * National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information 1-800-729-6686
 * National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence 1-800-622-2255
 * https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/treatment/what-to-do-if-you-have-problem-drugs-teens-young-adults
 * https://www.alcoholrehabguide.org/resources/
 * https://www.cdc.gov/features/teen-substance-use/index.html
 * https://www.addictionsandrecovery.org/addiction-recovery-links.htm
 * https://alcoholtreatment.niaaa.nih.gov

Episode 3: Tape 2, Side A
Bullying
 * see above

Physical Violence
 * https://medlineplus.gov/teenviolence.html
 * https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/youthviolence/fastfact.html
 * https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Understanding-Violent-Behavior-In-Children-and-Adolescents-055.aspx

Substance Misuse
 * see above

Grief
 * https://psychcentral.com/grief
 * The Dougy National Center for Grieving Children and Families
 * https://www.dougy.org/grief-resources/
 * Hospice Foundation of America
 * https://hospicefoundation.org/Grief-(1)
 * http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/grief.aspx
 * https://www.bereavedparentsusa.org
 * https://www.helpguide.org/articles/grief/coping-with-grief-and-loss.htm

Sexual Violence


 * https://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/how-to-report/index.html
 * Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network
 * National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-4673
 * National Street Harassment Hotline 1-855-897-5910
 * National Sex Offender Public Website
 * National Teen Dating Abuse Online Helpline
 * Rape Culture and Victim Blaming
 * http://www.southernct.edu/sexual-misconduct/facts.html
 * https://www.nsvrc.org/about-sexual-assault
 * https://www.rainn.org/state-state-guide-statutes-limitations

Episode 4: Tape 2, Side B
Stalking Concerns
 * http://www.actionagainststalking.org/dealing-with-your-stalker.html
 * http://thelawdictionary.org/article/how-to-deal-with-a-stalker/

Suicidal Thoughts
 * Call 911 if you are experience a suicidal emergency
 * National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255
 * Crisis TextLine - text HOME to 741741
 * https://www.crisistextline.org/get-help/suicide
 * Counseling Access to Lethal Means (CALM)
 * https://www.sprc.org/resources-programs/calm-counseling-access-lethal-means
 * American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
 * https://afsp.org/about-suicide/risk-factors-and-warning-signs/
 * https://afsp.org/find-support/ive-lost-someone
 * https://www.suicidology.org/Resources/Crisis-Centers
 * http://lifelineforattemptsurvivors.org/
 * https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention/index.shtml
 * https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/suicide-faq/index.shtml

Bullying
 * see above

Substance Misuse
 * see above

Episode 5: Tape 3, Side A:
LGBTQ Concerns
 * The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender National Hotline 1-888-843-4564
 * GLBT National Youth Talkline (for youth through age 25) 1-800-246-7743
 * Pride Institute 1-800-547-7433
 * https://prideresourcecenter.colostate.edu/resources/coming-out-to-your-parents/
 * https://case.edu/lgbt/resources/safe-zone-resources/comingout/
 * https://www.thetrevorproject.org/about/programs-services/coming-out-as-you/#sm.0002l4zsy17a6dp0xcy1ulwb582op
 * https://uwm.edu/lgbtrc/support/coming-out/
 * https://www.glaad.org/resourcelist
 * https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/gay-and-lesbian-well-being/201104/what-do-when-your-child-says-im-gay
 * PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays)
 * http://www.pflag.org/policystatements

Bullying
 * see above

Substance Misuse
 * see above

Episode 6: Tape 3, Side B
Sexual Violence Physical Violence Child/Parent Relationships
 * see above
 * see above
 * National Domestic Violence Hotline1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
 * National Child Abuse Hotline1-800-422-4453
 * https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/divorce.html

Episode 7: Tape 4, Side A
Suicidal Thoughts
 * see above

Bullying
 * see above

Depression
 * see above

How Adults can Help Teenagers struggling with Mental Illness
 * https://childmind.org/article/how-to-help-your-depressed-teenager/
 * https://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/parents-guide-to-teen-depression.htm
 * http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/conditions/depression-teens
 * https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/five_ways_parents_can_help_prevent_teen_depression

Episode 8: Tape 4, Side B
School Pressures
 * http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/stress-teens.aspx
 * http://campusmindworks.org/students/self_care/managing_stress.asp
 * https://www.learnpsychology.org/student-stress-anxiety-guide/

Episode 9: Tape 5, Side A
Substance Misuse
 * see above

Sexual Violence
 * see above

Trauma
 * The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
 * https://www.helpguide.org/articles/ptsd-trauma/coping-with-emotional-and-psychological-trauma.htm
 * http://www.istss.org/public-resources/what-is-childhood-trauma/effects-of-childhood-trauma.aspx
 * https://www.verywellmind.com/shooting-ptsd-from-a-shooting-2797200

Child/Parent Relationships
 * see above

Trauma from Sexual Violence
 * https://www.rainn.org/about-national-sexual-assault-telephone-hotline
 * https://www.rainn.org/national-resources-sexual-assault-survivors-and-their-loved-ones
 * https://www.d2l.org/get-help/national-resources/
 * https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/sexualviolence/resources.html
 * https://www.nsopw.gov/en-US/Education/HelpSupport?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

Parental Fighting
 * http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/parents-fight.html
 * http://kidshealth.org/en/kids/parents-fight.html
 * http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/fight.html

Episode 10: Tape 5, Side B
Suicidal Thoughts Trauma Sexual Violence Grief Substance Misuse Bullying
 * see above
 * see above
 * see above
 * see above
 * see above
 * see above

Episode 11: Tape 6, Side A
Suicidal Thoughts
 * see above

Sexual Violence
 * see above

Guilt
 * https://psychcentral.com/blog/5-tips-for-dealing-with-guilt/

Grief Adolescent Relationships
 * see above
 * https://www.hhs.gov/ash/oah/adolescent-development/healthy-relationships/index.html

Emotional Parental Abuse
 * https://www.heysigmund.com/toxic-parent/
 * http://www.istss.org/public-resources/what-is-childhood-trauma/effects-of-childhood-trauma.aspx

Episode 12: Tape 6, Side B
Sexual Violence Physical Violence Substance Misuse
 * see above
 * see above
 * see above

Depression Gun Violence
 * see above
 * https://publichealth.wustl.edu/gun-violence-initiative/gunviolence-resources/
 * https://www.hrc.org/resources/gun-violence-prevention
 * https://www.amnesty.org/en/what-we-do/arms-control/gun-violence/

Parental Abuse
 * https://theinvisiblescar.wordpress.com/suggestions-for-adult-survivors/
 * https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/culturally-speaking/201303/overcoming-the-pain-childhood-abuse-and-neglect

Episode 13: Tape 7, Side A
Suicidal Thoughts
 * see above

Substance Misuse School Violence Self-Injurious Behavior
 * see above
 * https://www.crimestoppersusa.org/programs/crime-stoppers-in-the-schools/
 * https://wetip.com/anonymous-school-tip-line/
 * https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/school-violence-resources
 * https://www.pta.org/home/family-resources/safety/School-Safety
 * https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/youthviolence/schoolviolence/fastfact.html
 * https://www.ncab.org.au/bullying-advice/bullying-for-parents/types-of-bullying/
 * Lifeline -- Call Lifeline (131114) for Help
 * https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/topics/self-harm
 * https://www.smartrecovery.org/5-ways-to-deal-with-urges-and-cravings/
 * https://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/cutting-and-self-harm.htm
 * https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK126779/
 * https://www.befrienders.org/how-to-support-someone-who-self-h
 * https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/topics/self-harm

Finding a good therapist
 * https://clinicalchildpsychology.org/search-a-child-psychologist
 * http://effectivechildtherapy.org/tips-tools/advice-for-selecting-a-psychologist/

Grief
 * see above

Episode 1: The First Polaroid
Suicidal Thoughts
 * National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
 * Crisis Text Line: Text TALK to 741741 to text with a trained crisis counselor for free, 24/7.
 * see above for further resources

Self-Injurious Behavior Bullying
 * see above
 * see above

Grief
 * see above

Sexual Violence
 * see above

Episode 2: Two Girls Kissing
Bullying
 * see above

Grief
 * see above

Sexual Violence
 * see above

Guilt Relationship Difficulties
 * see above
 * Consider couples therapy. A therapist may be a helpful mediator that serves to help you both resolve current areas of disagreement.
 * https://psychcentral.com/blog/6-steps-to-help-couples-overcome-relationship-stumbles/

Episode 3: The Drunk Slut
Self-Injurious Behavior
 * see above

Grief
 * see above

Sexual Violence
 * see above

Depression
 * see above

LGBTQ Concerns
 * see above

Episode 4: The Second Polaroid
Sexual Violence
 * see above

Depression
 * see above

Substance Misuse
 * see above

Episode 5: The Chalk Machine
Bullying
 * see above

Grief
 * see above

Depression
 * see above

Trauma
 * see above

Episode 6: The Smile at the End of the Dock
Sexual Violence
 * see above

Episode 7: The Third Polaroid
Bullying
 * see above

Grief
 * see above

Sexual Violence
 * see above

Depression
 * see above

Substance Misuse
 * see above

Divorce
 * https://www.womansdivorce.com/state-divorce-resources.html
 * https://www.divorcecare.org/findagroup
 * https://www.helpguide.org/articles/parenting-family/children-and-divorce.htm/

Episode 8: The Little Girl
Bullying Substance Misuse
 * see above
 * see above

Episode 9: The Missing Page
Suicidal Thoughts
 * see above

Bullying
 * see above

Sexual Violence
 * see above

Gun Violence
 * see above

Episode 10: Smile, Bitches!
Bullying
 * see above

Sexual Violence
 * see above

LGBTQ Concerns
 * see above

Substance Misuse
 * see above

Gun Violence
 * see above

Domestic Violence
 * see above

Episode 11: Bryce and Chloe
Grief
 * see above

Sexual Violence
 * see above

Gun Violence
 * see above

Physical Violence
 * see above

Episode 12: The Box of Polaroids
Grief
 * see above

Sexual Violence
 * see above

Gun Violence
 * see above

Domestic Violence
 * see above

Episode 13: Bye
Sexual Violence
 * see above

Substance Misuse
 * see above

Gun Violence
 * see above

Teen Pregnancy
 * Free Teen Pregnancy Hotline 1-800-672-2296
 * https://americanpregnancy.org/unplanned-pregnancy/pregnant-teen/
 * https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/dating-sex/Pages/Teenage-Pregnancy.aspx
 * https://www.healthyteennetwork.org/teens/resources-pregnant-parenting-teens/

Episode 1: Yeah. I'm the New Girl
Bullying
 * see above

Interpersonal Violence
 * see above

Romantic Relationships/Domestic Violence
 * see above

School Violence
 * see above

Family Violence
 * see above

Panic/Anxiety
 * Evidence-based treatments for anxiety in adolescents
 * https://www.psycom.net/hidden-signs-teen-anxiety/
 * Seek professional therapy services to learn coping skills for anxiety

Trauma
 * see above

Episode 2: If You're Breathing, You're a Liar
Suicidal Thoughts
 * see above

Bullying
 * see above

Substance Misuse
 * see above

Interpersonal Violence
 * see above

Depression
 * see above

Sexual Violence
 * see above

Trauma
 * see above

Physical Violence
 * see above

Teen Pregnancy
 * see above

Episode 3: The Good Person is Indistinguishable From the Bad
Trauma from Sexual Violence
 * see above

Homicidal Thoughts
 * https://psychcentral.com/ask-the-therapist/2015/12/31/homicidal-thoughts/
 * https://psychcentral.com/ask-the-therapist/2016/02/21/i-need-help-for-my-homicidal-thoughts/
 * https://psychcentral.com/ask-the-therapist/2018/08/07/having-suicidal-and-homicidal-thoughts/

Domestic Violence
 * see above

Episode 4: Angry, Young and Man
Self-Injurious Behavior
 * see above

Suicidal Thoughts
 * see above

Trauma from Sexual Violence
 * see above

Substance Misuse
 * see above

Gun Violence
 * see above

Episode 5: Nobody's Clean
Sexual Violence
 * see above

Body Image Concerns
 * National Eating Disorders Association Hotline 1-800-931-2237


 * https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/
 * https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/recovery/self-help-tools-skills-tips/self-soothing-advice
 * https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/eating-disorders/index.shtml
 * Office from US Dept. of Health and Human Services on Women’s Health Hotline 1-800-994-9662
 * https://www.eatingdisorder.org/eating-disorder-information/online-self-assessment/

Opioid Misuse
 * Narcotics Anonymous 1-818-773-9999
 * SAMHSA Hotline 1-800-662-4357
 * https://www.hhs.gov/opioids/
 * https://www.na.org/meetingsearch/
 * https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prescription-drug-abuse/in-depth/how-opioid-addiction-occurs/art-20360372
 * https://familydoctor.org/condition/opioid-addiction/

LGBTQ Concerns
 * see above

Substance Misuse
 * see above

Episode 6: You Can tell the Heart of a Man by How He Grieves
Immigration Concerns
 * US Citizenship and Immigration Center 1-800-375-5283
 * https://www.dhs.gov/general-immigration-resources
 * https://www.dhs.gov/employment-based-immigration-resources
 * https://www.dhs.gov/humanitarian-based-immigration-resources
 * https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/learners/find-help-your-community
 * https://www.immigrationadvocates.org

Episode 7: There Are a Number of Problems With Clay Jensen
Gun Violence
 * see above

Anger Management
 * SAMHSA Hotline 1-800-662-4357
 * Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741
 * https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/anger-management/about/pac-20385186
 * http://icallhelpline.org/chat-counseling/
 * https://www.nami.org/find-support/nami-helpline

Opioid Misuse
 * see above

Episode 8: In High School, Even on a Good Day, It's Hard to Tell Who's on Your Side
Verbal and Physical Violence
 * see above

Sexual Violence
 * see above

Episode 9: Always Waiting for the Next Bad News
Opioid Misuse
 * see above

Body Image Concerns
 * see above

Gun Violence
 * see above

Episode 10: The World Closing In
Police Mistrust
 * Crime Stoppers USA 1-800-222-8477
 * School-Based Crime Stoppers
 * https://wetip.com/anonymous-school-tip-line/
 * https://cops.usdoj.gov/buildingtrust

Insomnia
 * National Sleep Foundation 1-703-243-1697
 * https://www.sleepfoundation.org/insomnia/treatment
 * National Center on Sleep Disorders Research 1-301-435-0199
 * American Academy of Sleep Medicine 1-630-737-9700
 * https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/Resources/Looking-After-Yourself/Sleep
 * https://medlineplus.gov/insomnia.html
 * https://aasm.org/resources/factsheets/insomnia.pdf

Stress Management
 * Stress and Health
 * https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/stress-symptoms-signs-and-causes.htm
 * https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/stress-management.htm
 * https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/stress/index.shtml
 * https://www.stress.org/memberships

Immigration Concerns
 * see above

Sexual Violence
 * see above

Suicidal Thoughts
 * see above

Episode 11: There Are a Few Things I Haven't Told You
CyberBullying
 * see above

Suicidal Thoughts
 * see above

Trauma
 * see above

Episode 12: And Then the Hurricane Hit
Sexual Violence
 * see above

School-based Mental Health Support
 * Seek help from school counselors and school social workers
 * https://www.mentalhealth.gov/talk/educators
 * http://www.acmh-mi.org/get-help/navigating/problems-at-school/
 * https://www.wgu.edu/heyteach/article/importance-mental-health-awareness-schools1810.html
 * https://wetip.com/anonymous-school-tip-line/

Police Mistrust
 * see above

Women's Rights
 * Center for Women and Families 1-844-237-2331
 * Battered Women's Justice Project 1-800-903-0111
 * Legal Momentum's Immigrant Women Program 202-326-0004
 * National Sexual Assault Helpline 1-800-656-4673
 * National Organization for Women 202-628-8669
 * https://www.globalfundforwomen.org/womens-human-rights/
 * https://www.aclu.org/issues/womens-rights
 * https://www.womenforwomen.org/contact-us

Sexual Violence
 * see above

Episode 13: Let the Dead Bury the Dead
LGBTQ Concerns
 * see above

Self-Injurious Behavior
 * see above

Gun Violence
 * see above

Sexual Violence
 * see above

Immigration Concerns
 * see above

Opioid Misuse
 * see above

Suicidal Thoughts
 * see above

Substance Misuse
 * see above