When “13 Reasons Why” debuted on Netflix in 2017, the show centered around the suicide of a high school girl, and began two of its episodes with a disclaimer: “The following episode contains scenes that some viewers may find disturbing and/or may not be suitable for younger audiences, including graphic depictions of rape and sexual assault. Viewer discretion is advised.”
The episodes also contained explicit depictions of suicide. Over the next few months, and when the second season launched, Netflix added even more warnings and created a website with discussion guides and videos with the cast members talking about issues like bullying, drug abuse, sexual assault and suicide.
HBO is doing something in the same vein, announcing this week it will add mental health warnings to several of its shows. It’s part of an initiative called “It’s OK” with the goal of de-stigmatizing mental illness and encouraging conversation around those issues. The network has also created short videos featuring scenes from its shows that depict characters struggling with mental health. These spots will run in select episodes of some shows and end with a phone number and website for those seeking help.
Variety reported that HBO’s vice president of brand and product marketing, Jason Mulderig, pointed out the network has always featured characters dealing with mental illness. “We are not saying viewer discretion is advised,” Mulderig said, “We are saying viewer conversation is encouraged.”
Social media companies are getting involved too.
Facebook introduced a new pack of stickers for Messenger, and filters for Stories including messages like “talk to me,” “you are not alone” and “struggling.” The company says it understands some people are uncomfortable sharing personal feelings online. But it encourages users to private message someone about it, citing a recent study it conducted that found “80% of people surveyed said they felt they could be completely honest when messaging.” Facebook hopes the filter acts as an invitation for friends who may be struggling to reach out to one another for support.
Facebook is also putting its money where its stickers are. The company will donate $1 to a mental health organization (up to $1 million) each time someone sends one of the stickers in Messenger. In a press release, the company said, “More than 2.5 million people in the U.S., U.K. and Australia are members of at least one of the 7,000 groups dedicated to supporting people with mental health.” Facebook points to its Online Well-being webpage with information and resources on suicide prevention and social resolution.
One in five adults experience mental illness each year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. More and more celebrities and companies are joining the discussion.
Prince Harry and musician Ed Sheeran took to the official Sussex Royal Instagram account this week with a post and video for World Mental Health Day. Besides goofing about raising awareness of people making fun of redheads, the post encouraged followers to “look after yourself, your friends and those around you.” It ended with a long list of Instagram accounts where those struggling can find resources and support.
If you or someone you know needs help with mental health issues, there are many great places to turn. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-8255 gives free and confidential support for people in distress. It can also provide prevention and crisis resources if you need assistance helping a loved one.
If texting is more your style, text HOME to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line. This is also a free, 24/7 confidential service for people having suicidal thoughts. Volunteers supervised by licensed mental health professionals can also offer help in talking about abuse, sexual assault, depression, anxiety and bullying.