BY JESSICA STEELEY
Clarkston News Staff Writer

Health experts have more than 13 concerns about the young-adult miniseries “13 Reasons Why,” streaming on Netflix. Parents may want to watch the show, which is about a high school girl who chooses suicide in response to ongoing traumatic experiences at school,  before allowing their children to, or watching it with them, said Clarkston High School Counselor Kim McDaniel.
“It gives parents an opportunity to talk with the students about ‘What do you think? What do you feel? Have you ever experienced this?’ I think we have to use it as a window of opportunity to help them communicate what’s going on with them and link them to supports, resources,” McDaniel said.
“Audiences may have similar experiences and thoughts as some of the characters,” said Hanna Cassise, public health educator and chair of the Oakland County Youth Suicide Prevention Task Force. “People often identify with characters they see on TV or in movies. However, it is important to remember there are healthy ways to cope with the topics covered and acting on suicidal thoughts is not one of them.”
The show is based on a young adult novel of the same name. The main character records 13 cassette-tape sides as a suicide note, explaining how  classmates and adults in her life played a part in her decision.
The series graphically depicts many serious subjects including suicide, bullying, substance abuse and sexual assault, Cassise said.
“A thoughtful conversation with an adult is strongly recommended to help them process the issues addressed, consider certain choices made by characters in the series and the alternative choices available, and reinforce the message that suicide is not a solution to problems and that help is available,” she said.
McDaniel said it’s important for students to discuss their feelings so they can get help if necessary. It would be beneficial for parents to be aware of resources in the community should their children tell them about such feelings.
“The aftermath of making a decision like that is traumatic for all of those who you didn’t think cared about you, but did,” she said. “Doing something like that is so permanent when issues could be temporary if you reached out for help.” McDaniel said she was disappointed about how the series school counselor was depicted. School counselors are supposed to listen, support and guide students, something the main character was clearly in need of, but didn’t receive.
“If an experience with a school counselor is unhelpful, seek other sources of support such as a crisis line,” Cassise said, adding Oakland County crisis center Common Ground is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-231-1127 and has a text/ chat line available Monday-Friday, 4-10 p.m. at the same number.
“These things happen. Maybe what you do or say is intended as a joke, but it can have deep-seated meanings for other people,” McDaniel said. “We just need to be kind to each other, more aware of other people’s feelings and what could be going on behind the scenes. Watch for the warning signs and always err on the side of caution.”
Cassise said students should talk to someone they trust and remember there are resources and help available.
Resources to use include Common Ground, National Suicide Prevention Resource Center, The Trevor Project and The JED Foundation.