Stranger Things actress Shannon Purser warns against watching teen suicide drama 13 Reasons Why as it can be 'triggering'

The US actress has told her followers dealing with mental health issues to steer clear of the hit show
Warning: Stranger Things actress Shannon Purser urges viewers to be careful while watching 12 Reasons Why
Andrew Toth/Getty Images for American Express Platinum
Jennifer Ruby20 April 2017
The Weekender

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Actress Shannon Purser has urged viewers struggling with mental health issues to avoid watching Netflix's teen suicide drama, 13 Reasons Why.

The US star, whose show Stranger Things is also created by Netflix, has spoken out to advise young people to be ‘careful’ if watching the programme as it can be ‘triggering’.

“There are lots of really good things about the show and I have no doubts that it is important and could be helpful to some. Just be careful,” Purser posted on Twitter.

“I would advise against watching 13 Reasons Why if you currently struggle with suicidal thoughts or self harm/have undergone sexual assault.”

She added: “There are some very graphic scenes in there that could easily trigger painful memories and feelings. Please protect yourselves.”

The actress went on to clarify that she thought the show was 'doing great things' but was concerned that it could have a 'negative impact' on some viewers.

Purser’s plea to her followers comes after mental health organisation Headspace criticised the show for its ‘dangerous’ suicide content.

“It's not like car crashes or cancer, irresponsible reporting of suicide can lead to further death. We need to talk more about youth suicide, but there’s a way of doing that and a way we can raise those concerns and have a range of awareness,” Headspaces’s Kristen Douglas said in a statement.

"But we need to steer clear of really dangerous things like method, or oversimplifying it to one thing like bullying."

The show is based on Jay Asher’s novel, and follows the suicide of teenager Hannah Baker, who leaves several audio cassettes for her classmates explaining why she took her own life.

The series, co-produced by singer Selena Gomez, has been rated 18 in the UK by the BBFC for sexual violence, strong bloody images and a suicide scene.

Official website 13reasonswhy.info provides information and hotlines for viewers affected by the themes of the show. UK audiences are directed towards the Samaritans.

For confidential support on mental health call the Samaritans on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or attend a local Samaritans branch.

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