A new study has found that 13 Reasons Why, the Netflix drama about a teenager who dies by suicide, led to an increase in internet searches about it.

Research published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine shows that queries for suicide and how to commit suicide increased significantly. Using Google Trends, the study authors discovered all mental health-related searches containing the word suicide went up 19 percent following a time period after the shows release.

After 13 Reasons Why was released, experts expressed concerns over its problematic, graphic portrayal of suicide , stressing that it could lead to copycat acts. Separate research shows that glamorized depictions of suicide can inspire vulnerable individuals who identify with the individual described, either in a show or in a piece of media or literature. The study authors looked to examine if there were any indications that those effects could take place.

The study examined search phrases conducted from March 31 (the shows release date) to April 18 of this year. In order to get as accurate as possible, the researchers factored in other influential events, such as the the film Suicide Squad (they left out searches for this phrase) and the death of former NFL player Aaron Hernandez by suicide by limiting their analysis to searches done before April 19, when the news of his death broke.

The researchers also looked into specific suicide-related phrases. The good news is that search terms like suicide hotline and suicide prevention rose during the time period of the study (12 percent and 23 percent respectively). However, problematic searches like how to commit suicide rose an alarming 26 percent and how to kill yourself increased by 9 percent.

While its heartening that the series release concurred with increased awareness of suicide and suicide prevention, like those searching for suicide prevention, our results back up the worst fears of the shows critics: The show may have inspired many to act on their suicidal thoughts by seeking out information on how to commit suicide, study author John Ayers, an associate research professor at San Diego State University Graduate School of Public Health, said in a statement.

The impact of pop culture

There are some major caveats to this study: The data was based just on Google Trends, not interviews or personal observations. Researchers cant determine for certain if any of the searches led to suicide deaths, but they did note that previous studies show an increase in searches for suicide methods has been linked to increased deaths by suicide. Its also unclear if anyone entering these search terms did so specifically because they watched the show.

But when it comes down to it for better or worse entertainment, either directly or through the zeitgeist it contributes to, can influence people.

When you display suicide as revenge or glorified or in a sensational manner, there will be problems for some and those can be deadly, Dan Reidenberg, executive director of Suicide Awareness Voices of Education, told HuffPost. This study demonstrates that writers, producers, directors and others in Hollywood have both a responsibility to use their influence appropriately and they have an opportunity to do better they literally can change the outcome based on how they do it.

Some mental health experts, however, say that networks like Netflix are helping to create a greater conversation around mental health with these shows by showcasing a sensitive subject in pop culture. That can be useful for teens who may need support, according to Caroline Fenkel, a psychotherapist at Newport Academy, a treatment center for teens experiencing mental health issues.

Netflix ... has created a national platform for discussion of teen suicide, she told HuffPost. Other entertainment companies should also provide accurate resources for teen mental health and suicide awareness, along with showing the reality of the issues teens face.

The growing problem of suicide

Overall, data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that suicide rates are on the rise, increasing by 24 percent over a recent 15-year period.

The researchers of the study stress that entertainment companies should seriously consider mental health guidelines outlined by places like the World Health Organization moving forward. Some of these include offering resources to those experiencing mental illness prominently and showing examples of recovery from mental health issues.

Other networks should be aware that the public is misinformed or uninformed on this important topic, and take action, Fenkel said.

Ultimately, both experts hope that programs make a positive impact on vulnerable people experiencing mental health issues rather than send them down a dangerous path.

Its important for people to know that mental illnesses can be treated, Reidenberg stressed. People can get better and go on living their life fully.

If you or someone you know needs help, call 1-800-273-8255 for theNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline .You can also text HELLO to 741-741 for free, 24-hour support from theCrisis Text Line .Outside of the U.S., please visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention for a database of resources.