Selena Gomez is producing the upcoming Netflix series “13 Reasons Why” based on the best-selling novel by Jay Asher. According to her Instagram, it’s a passion project she’s been working on with Netflix and her mom, who has helped her tell this story authentically. “13 Reasons Why” arrives to Netflix on March 31st.
“13 Reasons Why” tells the story of Hannah Baker, a high school student who committed suicide. Clay, one of Hannah’s classmates, finds a package at his home one day containing 13 cassette tapes, recorded by Hannah, explaining how 13 people in particular contributed to her depression and ultimately why she ended her life.
If Clay listens to the tapes, he will know why those people are on the list and why he’s on it too. The novel addresses topics like depression, rape, guilt, betrayal, and bullying, and how seemingly small things to one person can have a huge impact on another.
Having Selena Gomez produce this series is incredibly important, as she not only focuses on presenting an authentic portrayal of this story, but she has also experienced struggles with mental health issues in her own life. In 2013, she underwent chemotherapy to treat lupus, an autoimmune disease that can affect different people in different ways.
In Selena’s case, her symptoms went beyond fatigue, joint pain, and other common symptoms. Selena told People in an interview, “I’ve discovered that anxiety, panic attacks and depression can be side effects of lupus, which can present their own challenges.”
Anxiety, panic attacks, and depression are unfortunately not a rarity among the U.S. population, with 18.1% of adults suffering from anxiety, 2.7% from panic attacks, and 6.7% from depression. In a world where mental health isn’t always seen as a priority, “13 Reasons Why” brings attention to mental health issues and suicide and shows that it should be a priority.
This passion project is one that can bring awareness of these issues to millions of people, and can help so many who struggle with them. If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, panic attacks, depression, sexual assault, or thoughts of suicide, please don’t hesitate to contact a mental health professional or one of these hotlines:
National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline: 1-800-950-6264
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)