Posts raise awareness about men’s mental health in response to screenwriter’s suicide
New research triggered debate about the benefits of ADHD medication.
New research triggered debate about the benefits of ADHD medication.
This past week, articles reported that screenwriter and director Jeff Baena had recently died by suicide, generating concern online about men’s mental health. Plus, a December study about the benefits of using stimulants and atomoxetine—a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor—to manage ADHD symptoms led to debate about the necessity of these medications, with some posts claiming that ADHD is best managed “naturally.”
In response, communicators may share general suicide prevention resources and mental health resources geared toward men and explain the treatment options available for ADHD.
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What’s trending nationally in conversations about mental health
On January 4, several articles reported that screenwriter and director Jeff Baena, who was married to actress Aubrey Plaza, died by suicide the day prior. News of Baena’s death spread across social media platforms. One Reddit post sharing an article about his death received approximately 22,000 upvotes and 1,300 comments as of January 8. Many comments shared resources for people experiencing suicidal thoughts. X posts referencing Baena’s death called attention to men’s mental health and received hundreds of thousands of views. Comments encouraged men to seek help for mental health conditions.
Last month, Lancet Psychiatry published a study that found that stimulant medications and atomoxetine were more effective at reducing ADHD symptoms in study participants than placebos. Several articles reported on the study’s findings, and those articles were shared across social media platforms. Some commenters shared how they successfully managed ADHD with stimulants, while others stated that ADHD should be treated “naturally” with exercise and dietary changes.
Recommendations brought to you by the health communication experts behind Infodemiology.com.
Recommendations for public health professionals
Each week, the Infodemiology.com team will provide messaging recommendations in response to some of the trending narratives outlined above. These helpful tips can be used when creating content, updating web and FAQ pages, and developing strategy for messaging about mental health.
Posts spreading awareness about men’s mental health provide an opportunity to share materials outlining signs of mental health conditions in men and warning signs of suicide. Communicators may also want to recirculate general mental health resources—such as support groups, hotlines, local mental health centers, and websites where people can search for local therapists who specialize in men’s issues. Sharing the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is recommended.
Conversations about ADHD medication indicate a need for more information about the symptoms of ADHD and the types of medication that are approved to treat it. Messaging may explain that lifestyle changes to manage ADHD work best when implemented alongside medication and therapy.