When ‘Thirteen Reasons Why’ started streaming on Netflix, it quickly became a hit among the viewers. The series sparked many different articles discussing bullying, suicide, rape and most prominently, mental health. While the story was fictional, it talks about issues that still happen today, highlighting the importance of talking about your problems.

Unfortunately, talking about problems is not as easy as it may seem.

“Negative stigmas associated to mental health play a huge role on why we avoid talking about the issue. We commonly hear statements like “Oh you have to be crazy to talk to a therapist” or people are afraid to be judged for not being “able to handle their problems” – they are “weak” for going to therapy,” said Wellness Professional Vincent Cascio.

Some people may not want to take the steps to get help because of the stigma that is placed with mental illness and bullying; there may be people that think that ignoring it will make it go away.

“Unfortunately the behavior of ignoring or the thought of “it will go away on its own” is just the opposite of what should be done. An example I often hear is when we are talking about children and adolescents. Many people will say “it’s just hormones,” or “they will grow out of it.” When individuals do this they are walking a very dangerous line. We must take mental health seriously; it is not something to be described away as a phase,” said Wellness Professional Mary Grimm.

While they are both crucial to an individual’s health, mental health is just as important as physical health. For those who have seen the show and read the book, you know what happens. Even if you haven’t seen the show, you constantly hear about the impact that this simple and to the point series has had on so many people.

“Education and awareness plays a significant role as well, we as a society lack exposure to emotional regulation. We have to learn how to process our emotions and reflect upon our experiences. Learning how and when to reach out for help or how to simply talk and identify emotions is important,” Cascio said.

Sometimes, the first step to getting help is just admitting that you need help.

“Reach out to friends and family about what you are struggling with, it is important to ask for help and if you don’t know where to start, start with someone you trust and reach out to a professional,” Cascio said.

For student and Wellness Center employee Flo Perez, accepting that you have it can be the first step.

“Accepting is the hardest part but once we do accept it, we can take the steps forward to help ourselves,” Perez said.

People affected by difficulties with their mental health may not reach out because they don’t know how to start and where they can turn to. Cascio pointed out the free wellness services available at ECC.

“Students are always welcome to Wellness Services to talk things out,” Cascio said.

Perez also gave some advice based on his own experiences.

“Don’t be afraid, I’m not going to lie it is life changing, but its for the better because now that person has a understanding of what is more than likely chemically going on, being willing and open to receiving the proper form of help is essential at that point, just be open minded, its going to be hard, its process but its very rewarding process,” Perez said.