13 Reasons Why It's Okay, Not To Be Okay

With the hype of Season 2 of #13ReasonsWhy, I've been hearing so many comments about it's message and the purpose of the second season. Most of them are on one end of the spectrum, or the complete opposite "it's unnecessary they should have stopped at season 1" or "its message is still working through the series". Either way, if you're not a follower of the Netflix hit, I'm about to give you a rundown, which you'll understand at the end of this blog.



Basically 13 Reasons Why  offers a powerful conveyance of suicide, and suicide awareness touching on the subjects of bullying, sexism, rape, assault, self harm, mental health, drug use and more. It follows the plot of a young girl who committed suicide, and 13 reasons why she decided to kill herself. These 13 reasons mainly revolve around the influence of people which she recorded on tapes, prior to committing suicide. The show progresses on, and in the second season offers more elaboration surrounding the death of Hannah Baker. Needless to say, the show can be super triggering and relatable for anyone to watch and get hooked to.

After finishing Season 2, after a solid week of binging, I found myself asking the question: but, does the show tell people that it's okay not to be okay? I decided that it does in a way which isn't necessarily voiced which could be difficult to process if you are struggling with any of the above mentioned subjects. But, I felt that I really needed to share with you 13 Reasons Why it's okay, not to be okay. As a victim of suicide attempt, and a sufferer of bad mental health (post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety) I can share with you 13 reasons, which justify why it is okay, not to be okay:

1.Mental Health is a serious thing 
You might have heard someone say that anxiety is a load of crap, but let me tell you - it's not. There are many forms of mental health cases, everyone has a mental health, some of us might just struggle a little bit more than others... If you're feeling uncertain and that maybe your moods are swinging too much, your physical health isn't great, you are self-obsessed, of uncomfortable with yourself or other people - it could be a sign that you should head to your doctor and have a chat about getting a mental health check. 
2. It's okay to feel emotional
Sometimes we think that because we are overly sad or emotionally, that we are worthless and are in a bottom-less pit of hopelessness. You're not - it can be normal to feel sad, and if you're expressing emotions that's a good thing.

3. You are loved 
I know you're thinking "but you don't know that, you don't know my story", and you know what? I might not. But I am certain that you are loved, that you do have great qualities, abilities and talents which make you, you.

4. We're here to help
There are people available for you to talk to 24/7. If you're feeling like self-harming or just are generally down, reach out to a close friend or family member. If you feel that maybe you have no one close to chat to - reach out to Beyond Blue, Lifeline or your national helpline.

Okay, so maybe I tricked you into believing there were 13 reasons, but I got your attention. Know that you are loved, you are unique and you are enough. You are important, and your life matters. Take the advice, and know that it's okay, not to be okay.