’13 Reasons Why’ impact on the community

According to the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network, every day at least three people commit suicide in the state.

And among young people, it’s the third leading cause of death.

With the success of the Netflix television series, ’13 Reasons Why’, the response from the community is mixed.

The story is about a young girl, who ultimately kills herself…leaving ’13 Reasons’ on why she did it.

We spoke with a local suicide prevention advocate on how it is impacting our community.

Governor’s Tennessee Suicide Prevention Advisory Council Member Tim Tatum says, “the idea of the 13 Reasons is that is there’s 13 different terrifying accidents or situations rather that occur in this teens life and Hannah’s life that make her believe she needs to take her own life. However, it’s usually not one or two things, its usually a multifactor of things.”

Tatum says it’s been a silent epidemic for decades.

And that 90% of cases have a documented history of mental illness.

Men in Tennessee are four times more likely to commit suicide than women.

Tatum says there’s always been a culture of shame and is not the problem it used to be.

“The positive thing about it is, it’s getting parents to talk to their children about it. I have a friend that has a thirteen year old daughter that watched the series and it really gave them the opportunity to approach the discussion of suicide.”

Tatum says suicides have been increasing about 10% year over year, and it’s been more of a hot topic lately.

“There’s been a lot…this is the third time I’ve been asked to speak about this topic and actually the first time I’ve agreed to do it; because I don’t want it to be sensationalized. I don’t want Hannah to be like, ‘oh, she’s my hero.’ She sends messages from beyond; after her death and that’s not realistic.”

Free texting resources, a suicide prevention hotline and webinars are all available resources now.

Economically, hospitalization for suicide attempts can cost up to $30,000 in medical care.

And if that individual is unable to pay, the costs may trickle down to the taxpayers.

They can also lead to higher insurance premiums.

http://www.crisistextline.org/

https://register.gotowebinar.com