13 Reasons Why You Need to Watch “13 Reasons Why”

Hello lovelies! This is a bit of a different post from me today, but it’s an important one. I’ve been doing a lot of self reflection recently, and then I watched the new Netflix TV show that’s taking the world by storm “13 Reasons Why”, and it really hit a nerve. This is a beautifully made TV show which accurately represents so many things, and depicts how hard being a teenager can actually be. For this reason, I wanted to make this list. This is for those of you out there who haven’t watched this show yet, and still need some more convincing.

I’m not going to be including any spoilers, so no need to worry.

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1. Depicts perfectly how hard it is to be a teenager today. Being a teenager is never easy due to all the changing variables in our lives, and this show just gets it. Although not all of us have been through what the lead, Hannah, has, the show is incredibly relatable. What Hannah goes through is horrible, and just shows how a certain set of variables together can push someone to their limits.

2. Shows how easy it is for small things to accumulate into something major and life changing. Some of the things on Hannah’s list may not have had such a profound effect on her if they were isolated events. However, when things start piling up they can become very, very dangerous, no matter how small they seem to others.

3. Shows how important it is to spread kindness. How many times have you been rude to someone, or did something which you knew was wrong? I know I’ve done this on more occasions than I’d like to admit. This show is a perfect example of how being mean can have a huge lasting effect on someone. I’m sure it has opened up a lot of people’s eyes, and made them more wary when it comes to giving out insults or being malicious. 

4. How damaging social media actually is. There are so many benefits to social media but, as with anything, it has its drawbacks. The world our youth are living in today is not a nice one, and all being connected, sharing images, sending abusive messages and harassing online, is all a part of that which previous generations had the luck of missing out on. Bullying doesn’t stop in the classroom, it can now come home with you – it can be right in your pocket 24/7.

5. How important it is to stand up for what you believe to be right. This message comes to us in many aspects and channels of the series, be it the lead male character, Clay, Hannah’s parents, Jason and so many others. This shows the consequences of what could happen if you don’t take a stand, and what can happen if you do, which is quite inspiring.

6. Schools don’t do enough. I do believe it’s widely known already that schools across the globe aren’t doing enough to protect its pupils, or spot when a student is basically crying out for help. The series highlights the ignorance of these institutions and how they could be doing far more to prevent harm from coming to students, be that from themselves or others.

7. Mental illness is not romanticised. It’s so refreshing to see a young adult show be real about mental illness and not disguise it as something its not; it’s soul-destroying, people who suffer from a mental illness are not lying, and they need help from those who love them (and others).

8. How graphic the show gets towards the end. At first, I was slightly taken aback by how triggering some of the content in this show is, but then I realised it needed to be there. We shouldn’t be censored on the most harrowing things to watch, we should see it for how it is, and how hard it is for the victim to endure. This show also acts as an eye opener for those who have not had, or known someone who has, a mental illness – for those who may be skeptical. 

9. As already mentioned, this show is incredibly triggering. This could potentially lead people who are feeling the same way to speak up and get help. It could also serve to help people who think a loved one could be suffering – this series shows the triggers and warning signs, which people should take note of. It’s a difficult show to watch, and it’s important because of that.

10. This show actually talks about real issues, which some people are afraid to discuss. In terms of rape, mental illness, suicide – these can all be things which may scare us to mention, but opening up a conversation and being honest about it is important.

11. The reality of rape and how some people feel entitled, and as though raping someone is okay. The show depicts how disgusting rapists are, and how egotistical they can be. Rape is not okay. Rape will never be okay. These people should be punished for what they have done (and receive a serious sentence, not something which is going to be an insult to the victim).

12. Anyone can be a victim. Hannah is a stunning girl, with a loving family, yet she still found herself alone and with a target on her back. It doesn’t matter what walk of life someone may follow, we don’t know what’s going on in their head and how they could be feeling. This is another reason why we should attempt to spread kindness as much as possible.

13. Have hope. I know this series is wholly quite upsetting to watch, but it is also very rewarding and there is a silver lining. Because Clay wasn’t there enough for Hannah, he will be there for others – just like we all can be.

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As I said, this show struck a cord with me, just like I’m sure it will with you. It’s beautiful, it’s real and it needs to be seen; not only seen, but discussed. So share the show with your friends, start actually talking about some of the issues it mentions and raise awareness.

If you have watched 13 Reasons Why, what did you think? Let me know in the comments, but don’t leave any spoilers as a common curtsy! Also, if you’ve read the book let me know as well, I’m thinking about picking it up. Have a lovely day everyone ❤