After watching the controversial new Netflix series 13 Reasons Why with her daughter, our Counselling and Workplace Programs team manager Janaya Wiggins felt concerned enough about the impression the show could leave on people, particularly youth, to write the following response ...
“As a senior mental health social worker and mother of two adolescent children, I watched 13 Reasons Why with a degree of alarm at the messages being portrayed.
"Can l please say to any teenagers or adolescents watching this show that help is available.
"Please do not keep your worries, concerns and problems to yourself.
"If you are struggling with things occurring in your life, please reach out to your parents (we really do care and want to support our children through whatever you may be going through).
"If you are unable to talk with your parents, please speak with a friend, a trusted adult, your teachers, your GP or a counsellor.
"Thank you. Janaya."
So, who can you turn to in Bendigo for help?
Bendigo Community Health Services offers free counselling, so please give us a call on 5430 0500 if you would like to speak confidentially with a counsellor.
headspace Bendigo also assists young people aged 12 to 25.
Other contacts available are Lifeline 13 11 14, Bendigo Psychiatric Services 1300 363 788 or Kids Helpline 1800 551 800.