Shows, movies, music can raise suicide awareness
When someone thinks of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month during September, social media and speeches often come to mind. However, advocacy can take other forms. Awareness can also come from media that breaks the stigma and speaks on experiences.
Shows like “13 Reasons Why” and “Degrassi: The Next Class” touch on topics of suicide.
In the first season of “13 Reasons,” Hannah Baker commits suicide, while in “Degrassi,” Maya Matlin’s attempt is unsuccessful.
In “13 Reasons Why,” suicide is a key element of the story, following the people that Hannah leaves cassette tapes to. The tapes detail the reasons Hannah felt suicide was her only option, helping the viewer relate even more. Sometimes, there isn’t just one reason that causes a person to resort to suicide.
In “Degrassi: The Next Class,” Maya’s suicide attempt is only one part of her storyline. When her peers find her after her overdose, viewers see the reactions they have — panic and fear are evident. As the story progresses, Maya’s character grows to cope with her thoughts, coming to terms with her attempt and the emotions surrounding it.
Seeing characters struggle with realistic issues can make a viewer feel understood. Whether it be in shows like “13 Reasons” or “Degrassi,” or movies like “Girl, Interrupted” and “The Virgin Suicides,” a viewer can relate to the character and see how suicide can affect one’s self or the people around them.
In media where the suicide attempt is unsuccessful, a viewer sees how the character can grow and develop afterwards. The character may often reflect on their decision, finding ways to cope with their suicidal thoughts and ideations.
In media where the character commits suicide, viewers see how that action affects everyone around the character.
It is important that we take pains not to guilt people who contemplate suicide due to the impact it would have on their loved ones. But it is still vital to show people who are struggling that there are people who care about them.
Suicidal thoughts often make a person feel isolated and alone. Knowing that the thoughts are the result of negative emotions could be a deciding factor for someone choosing against taking action.
Shows and movies are not the only types of media that deal with suicidal thoughts and ideations. Music is another route that artists and creators take to raise awareness.
Songs like “Call Your Mom,” by Noah Kahan, tell the story of finding a reason to stay and watching out for your friends even when they don’t reach out for help.
Billie Eilish’s “listen before i go” is a haunting goodbye from someone ready to attempt suicide.
Plenty of songs communicate different aspects of the topic, ranging from the perspective of someone struggling to the point of view of someone supporting a loved one.
The idea of awareness through music doesn’t apply to only songs that are explicitly about suicide, either. How people experience media is personal, and songs that may not even mention suicide can help someone struggling feel a little less alone.
Media helps break the stigma surrounding suicide. It’s a taboo topic for many.
However, speaking about it allows those considering suicide to know they are not alone in feeling the way they do. If they see a character or hear a song they relate to, they can feel just a little less alone.
This is not to say that media should glorify or romanticize suicide. It’s important to ethically depict the theme. It isn’t necessary to be overly crude or gory with the depiction, and it is never necessary to make the depiction seem persuasive.
Consumers should also be aware of whether or not content could possibly be triggering. Taking care of one’s own mental health is just as important as raising awareness.
With most streaming services, a warning is displayed somewhere on screen when the show or movie contains topics of suicide. If not, one can often look online to find trigger warnings and details.
It is up to each person to determine whether they are in the correct state of mind to consume media that mentions suicide.
There is no one correct answer.
For some struggling with suicidal thoughts, consuming such media could make them feel worse.
For others, consuming such media could help them overcome the battles in their minds.
Like the motives for the act, it depends on the individual.
Movies, shows and music with themes of suicide exist all year round. But
media depictions may help people approach this NationalSuicide Prevention Awareness Month in a way that doesn’t feel nearly as dark.
To reach the 24-hour suicide hotline, dial 988.