Discussing Suicide, Netflix Series ’13 Reasons Why’

It's a difficult thing to talk about. It's even more difficult to deal with the impact of losing a loved one to suicide.

WIBX First News with Keeler in the Morning spoke with Judy Reilly of the Center for Family Life and Recovery about the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why.

Reilly has seen the series - which centers on tapes left by a young woman who takes her own life. The rest of us have not yet seen any episodes. Reilly characterized it as very graphic and doubted that she's allow a young person in her care to watch the movie. However, she said she may watch it with them.

''It talks about many different things, but it's really important that anyone who suffers a loss through suicide [to know] it's not their fault. I can see how [the series] would be gripping for young people to watch,'' Reilly said. ''However, what it does do is it could start conversation, and that is indeed what the producers are looking for...that's a good thing right there, to open dialogue.''

Reilly says open that conversation is extremely important and urged anyone who believes they know someone who is considering doing something harmful to themselves to be blunt.

''Ask, don't sugar coat it. Be direct.'' And when necessary, ''get them help'', Reilly said.

Area residents who may be considering suicide, or know someone who is, are urged to call The Neighborhood Center's Mobile Crisis Assessment Team, MCAT, 24/7 at 315-732-6228. Reilly said there is also a national text line. Just text 741-741.