Finally, I think it’s worth noting IN BOLD AND ALL CAPS that Blackwell mentions Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why. I know reviews are mixed on this, but if ONE child sees suicide glamorized and takes that to heart…the movie has automatically done more harm than any good it could ever do. I believe that. Hear Blackwell’s words again, “For those in danger it glorifies suicide and makes it seem not so hard to do.”
It’s National Suicide Prevention Week, parents. We don’t need to lose any more of our kids to suicide. If your child is struggling, ask. Ask again, stress how their life is so valuable and how you will help them get through this hard period to the beauty on the other side. And if your child is NOT struggling, then make NOW, a time when there mental health is good, the time to talk about suicide: what to do if they ever have suicidal thoughts or feelings. Make a plan. Ask even if you don’t suspect a thing. Be willing to talk about hard things. It might save a life you didn’t even know was in danger.
Do it for your child. Do it for Alex.
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