13 Reasons Why Suicide Prevention Program

The Idea             

My idea is to have a society of teenagers that come together after, or while, reading the book and discuss their journey or relationship with suicide in young adults. There would be meetings held in different cities across the country as well as 24/7 online chat and a hotline connecting them with other teenagers to talk about their experiences. The novel really incorporates prevention and the aftermath of suicide, so having a society that could openly talk about both of those things would be very rewarding for young adults. Of course, the meetings would all be free and group leaders would be strictly volunteer based. In the novel, Hannah was very afraid to talk about suicide with her classmates and her teachers. Here, everyone would be allowed a word in as well as time to think and listen to the group leader about their actions. It would be a highly judgment-free zone where you could truly speak your mind. I think this would not only help promote the novel, but help promote the books message.  All Hannah really wanted was some attention, and having a hotline for people with unknown identities, struggling with some of the same issues would be very helpful for people seeking individualized attention. You could also use the online chat rooms or one on one chat with teenagers around the country.

Connection

                “I’m sure the school had psychologists come in loaded with handouts, telling you what to look for in students who might be considering...Another pause. No. Like I said before, I can’t say it. Suicide. Such a disgusting word.” (Pg. 164) Hannah didn’t believe in saying something that she forced herself to do. With help from this teen prevention program we help students discuss and look into themselves as well as what they want to do to themselves. “…I admitted that I was at a point in my life where I really could have used any encouragement anyone might have left me.” (Pg.168) At these programs we intend to give students the same amount of encouragement that Hannah lacked in her life. Most kids struggling with depression just want to be understood. They need to feel wanted and important. With our unique approach to this rising conflict, attention and understanding will be a top priority. “A flood of emotion rushes into me. Pain and anger.  Sadness and pity. But most surprising of all, hope. I keep walking.” (Pg. 288) We not only want kids to know the warning signs of high depression and suicide but we also want them to help stop it. A friendly smile in the hallway or a simple “Hey” before class can change someone’s attitude towards the world. We fully encourage teenagers to know as much about this topic as possible, before they themselves or someone else has to suffer through the consequences.

Why It’ll Work

The idea will work by word of mouth. Teenagers socialize among each other more and faster, now more than ever before, and once they use these prevention resources they’ll become more open with talking about suicide.  In the book, Hannah doesn’t even want to say the word. I hope that with these meetings someone who would consider such a thing would be able to say the word out loud. Once the teenagers are open about their feelings, they will draw their own parents in so they too can express their ideas on the issue. Having such organized meetings as well as online services, will hopefully grow and be recommended by schools and organizations that deal with suicide prevention. The fans of the book that come to these meetings will be intrigued by how real-life experiences and the book are extremely similar. Teens will tell about some of their portrayals of the story and if they agree with some of the choices Hannah made, reflecting on their own choices. All information would be kept strictly confidential, unless you choose otherwise. This gives teens the ability to freely express themselves without fear of judgment, prejudice, or embarrassment.