Can media representations of suicide really be “contagious”, driving vulnerable audiences to end their own lives? Rich introduces Ben to a frustratingly large field of psychologists, counsellors and youth charities who made this argument about the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why. We dive head-first into both the controversy and the research behind it, to figure out why so many smart, well-intentioned people keep getting this issue so wrong.

CONTENT WARNING: this episode includes discussion of suicide and its causes, clips where people discuss their suicidal feelings. It also contains passing references to sexual assault.

If you or someone you know is having suicidal feelings, please seek help immediately. If you are in the UK, the following hotlines all provide support free of charge:

• Samaritans: 116 123 (24 hours)
• NHS: 111 (24 hours)
• SANEline: 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm-10pm)
• National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK: 0800 689 5652 (6pm-midnight)
• Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): 0800 58 58 58 (5pm-midnight)
• Papyrus (for those under 35 and struggling with suicidal feelings, or concerned about a young person who is struggling): 0800 068 4141 (24 hours)
• Switchboard (support line for any matters relating to LGBTQIA+ identity): 0800 119 100 (10am-10pm)

If you would prefer not to talk over the phone, the following services are available:

• Samaritans: email jo@samaritans.org
• Shout (mental health support): Text SHOUT to 85258
• Papyrus (for those under 35 and struggling with suicidal feelings, or concerned about a young person who is struggling): email pat@papyrus-uk.org or text 07786 209 697
• Switchboard (LGBTQIA+ support service): Chat service via their website at switchboard.lgbt (after 5pm), or email chris@switchboard.lgbt

For listeners in countries outside of the UK, a useful list of hotlines and other support resources can be found here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_suicide_crisis_lines#Crisis_lines_by_country

Credits:

Hosts – Rich McCulloch and Ben Litherland

Music by - Brutalust (Colin Frank and Maria Sappho), recorded and mixed by Joe Christman

Creative producer – Rachel Wood

Technical producer – Caroline Pringle

Technical production – Colin Frank