In March of 2017, Netflix released the series “13 Reasons Why (13RW).” It tells the story of teenager Hannah Baker and her tragic spiral of despair, trauma, interpersonal isolation and suicidal thinking that culminates in the graphic and extended visual depiction of her suicide.
Despite criticisms, people are flocking to watch 13RW. A study was published last summer that showed a significant spike in U.S. internet searches on “how to kill yourself” in the 19 days after 13RW was released. Several presentations at the three local public libraries in Ashe County (March 13th, 5:30 - 6:30), Wilkes County (March 15th, 5:30 - 6:30) and Watauga County (March 19th, 5:30 - 6:30) will be focused on unpacking the science and practice of suicide prevention for the purpose of helping adolescents, families and community members address this growing public health problem.
The reading chosen for this discussion series is “Cracked, Not Broken” by Kevin Hines. Kevin attempted suicide by jumping off of the Golden Gate Bridge and survived. He is now a sought out speaker who tells his story in the context of managing his mental health each day as he lives with bipolar disorder.
The discussions on managing and maintaining mental health will begin Tuesday, Mar. 13, 2018 and go through Monday, April 16, 2018. To learn more about this community read, visit www.arlibrary.libguides.com/suicide_prevention.
Tuesday, March 13, 2018 -POSTPONED due to weather, New date TBD
The starting point of this discussion on suicide prevention will be the Netflix original show, “13 Reasons Why.” The discussion will be facilitated by Dr. Kurt Michael, Brittany Kirschner, MA, LPA, Becca Schenk, BS, Kelsey Thomas, BA, Rebekah Smith, BS, and Stephanie Smith, Department of Psychology, Appalachian State University. The discussion will be held at the Ashe County Public Library from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 15, 2018
The starting point of this discussion on suicide prevention will be the Netflix original show, “13 Reasons Why.” The discussion will be facilitated by Dr. Kurt Michael, Brittany Kirschner, MA, LPA, Becca Schenk, BS, Kelsey Thomas, BA, Rebekah Smith, BS, and Stephanie Smith, Department of Psychology, Appalachian State University. The discussion will be held at the Wilkes County Public Library from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 18, 2018
The Regal Theater in Boone has arranged a showing of Kevin’s film, “SUICIDE: The Ripple Effect” on Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Regal Theatre in Boone, but only if there are enough reservations booked by March 8, 2018 (50 reservations are needed). To reserve your seat, visit www.gathr.us/screening/22531 The ticket price is $12.20 per person.
Monday, March 19, 2018
The starting point of this discussion on suicide prevention will be the Netflix original show, “13 Reasons Why.” The discussion will be facilitated by Dr. Kurt Michael, Brittany Kirschner, MA, LPA, Becca Schenk, BS, Kelsey Thomas, BA, Rebekah Smith, BS, and Stephanie Smith, Department of Psychology, Appalachian State University. The discussion will be held at the Watauga County Public Library from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
“Talk Saves Lives” with Betsy Rhodes will be held at L.E. Harrill Senior Center with the first talk being at 11 a.m. and the second beginning at 3 p.m. at the Watauga County Public Library.
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
“Talk Saves Lives” with Betsy Rhodes will be held at the Western Watauga Community Center, Project on Aging at 10:30 a.m.
Monday, April 16, 2018
Author Kevin Hines will speak to the community and tell his story on Monday at 6:30 p.m. at Boone United Methodist Church. The focus of his talk will be about how he manages his mental health each day while living with bipolar disorder.
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About the Department of Psychology
The mission of the Department of Psychology is to engage in teaching, scholarship, and service, in order to promote and advance understanding of the science of psychology, its application, and its utility to our students, fellow scholars, the University, and the public. The Department has 36 full-time doctoral level faculty members, approximately 900 undergraduate majors and 80 full-time graduate students in four master's degree programs including Experimental, Clinical, Industrial Organizational/Human Resource Management, and School Psychology, the latter also provides a specialist degree in addition to the MA. The Department provides a clinic for training, research, and service to the community. The faculty are dedicated to the mentoring of students and to offering opportunities for experiential learning.
Suicide in the Age of 13 Reasons Why
Suicide in the Age of 13 Reasons Why