13 Reasons Why has gained many fans and also critics since it dropped on Netflix.
But now writer Nic Sheff has defended the show’s graphic depiction of character Hannah Baker’s suicide.
“When it came time to discuss the portrayal of the protagonist’s suicide in 13 Reasons Why, I of course immediately flashed on my own experience. It seemed to me the perfect opportunity to show what an actual suicide really looks like — to dispel the myth of the quiet drifting off, and to make viewers face the reality of what happens when you jump from a burning building into something much, much worse,” he wrote for Vanity Fair.
RELATED: Headspace issues warning about ’13 reasons Why’
“It overwhelmingly seems to me that the most irresponsible thing we could’ve done would have been not to show the death at all. In AA, they call it playing the tape: encouraging alcoholics to really think through in detail the exact sequence of events that will occur after relapse. It’s the same thing with suicide. To play the tape through is to see the ultimate reality that suicide is not a relief at all—it’s a screaming, agonizing, horror,” he continued.
“When it comes to suicide, I believe the message should be exactly the same. Facing these issues head-on—talking about them, being open about them—will always be our best defense against losing another life,” he wrote.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Headspace on 1800 650 890.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
