False claims that being trans is a mental health condition persist
Plus, posts discussed stigma toward antidepressants and celebrated a singer for speaking out about mental health.
Plus, posts discussed stigma toward antidepressants and celebrated a singer for speaking out about mental health.
A recent X post from a U.S. representative with more than 10 million views falsely suggested that transgender identity is a “mental illness.” Other posts discussed the stigma that people who take antidepressants may face, with some suggesting that antidepressants are unnecessary, and shared a video of singer Demi Lovato speaking openly about depression.
In light of these conversations, communicators may reiterate that trans identity is not a mental health condition, recirculate mental health resources for trans people, share information about antidepressants, and offer resources for people experiencing depression.
Insights brought to you by the reporters and science writers of Public Good News (PGN), a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to improving community health.
What’s trending nationally in conversations about mental health
False claims that trans identity is a mental health condition resurfaced in November after Representative-elect Sarah McBride became the first openly transgender person elected to Congress. In response to McBride’s win, South Carolina Representative Nancy Mace introduced a bill that would ban trans people—including McBride—from using bathrooms that align with their gender identities on federal property. On November 20, Mace shared a post on X that read, “Your mental illness will not become my new normal.” The post received approximately 10.8 million views, 200,000 likes, 28,000 reposts, and 6,700 comments as of December 4. While some comments repeated the false claim that trans identity is a mental health condition, others attempted to debunk it.
On November 18, an X user shared a series of posts highlighting the stigma she has faced for taking antidepressant medication. The posts explained that while some people have told her that “anti-depressants are a crutch & bad for you,” taking them has helped her live a more stable life and improved her sleep. Her initial post received approximately 300,000 views, 10,000 likes, 600 reposts, and 1,000 comments as of December 4. Some comments falsely claimed that antidepressants are unnecessary, while others shared support for the post’s author and encouraged people to take antidepressants under the guidance of a health care provider if it improves their lives. One read, “You deserve the best life you can achieve, and if that includes medication, then DO IT!”
On November 25, an X user reposted a video of singer Demi Lovato discussing her experience with depression and suicidal ideation. The text of the post celebrated Lovato for her long term commitment speaking out about mental health. Although the post did not receive any comments, it garnered approximately 82,300 views, 3,700 likes, and 690 reposts as of December 4.
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.
The persistent false claim equating being trans to a mental health condition reveals ongoing confusion about trans people. Communicators may explain that while trans people and others in the LGBTQ+ community may experience psychological distress in response to legal stigma—including bathroom bans—and discrimination, all major mental health organizations agree that LGBTQ+ identities are normal variants of human gender and sexuality and are not mental health conditions. Sharing mental health resources geared toward trans people is recommended, such as directories where people can search for trans-informed therapists and support groups, the Trans Lifeline, the Trevor Project’s hotline for LGBTQ+ youth, and the LGBT National Help Center.
Trending posts about antidepressants provide an opportunity to share the types of antidepressants, how they work, and what conditions they treat. Messaging may emphasize that antidepressants can be lifesaving and can help people with depression and other conditions complete necessary tasks and lead healthier lives.
Communicators may also want to recirculate resources for people experiencing depression, including therapist directories, support groups, local mental health centers, and mental health hotlines like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Sharing suicide warning signs and tips for managing depression is recommended.