Conversations question how potential Medicaid cuts would impact access to mental health care

Meanwhile, narratives about bullying continued, and posts highlighted the mental health impacts of job insecurity.

This past week, social media posts shared concern about a resolution that could potentially slash the federal budget for Medicaid, which covers mental health services for eligible low-income individuals and families. Conversations about bullying in schools persisted, and articles and posts called attention to the mental health impacts of job insecurity as federal workers face mass firings.

In response, communicators may explain how to enroll in Medicaid, highlight free and sliding scale mental health resources, continue sharing bullying and suicide prevention resources, and offer tips for coping with job loss and work-related stress.

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What’s trending nationally in conversations about mental health

In late February, the House of Representatives adopted a budget resolution that could potentially limit funding for Medicaid, which provides health insurance to one in five low-income people in the U.S. Over the past week, social media posts highlighted how cutting Medicaid funding could prevent people from accessing mental health services like therapy, in-patient treatment, and medication. One Facebook post from the National Alliance on Mental Illness asked people to sign a petition urging legislators to protect Medicaid, garnering approximately 100,000 views, 2,000 reactions, 2,600 shares, and 250 comments as of March 5. While some comments expressed support for Medicaid and highlighted how it covers mental health services, others suggested that Medicaid is not necessary.

In the wake of reports that an 11-year-old girl in Texas died by suicide last month after being bullied over her family’s immigration status, articles discussed the recent suicide of an 11-year-old boy in Ohio. The boy’s parents recently filed a lawsuit against his school, stating that he had been repeatedly bullied by classmates and had been called racial slurs. Posts across platforms shared articles about the lawsuit. Many commenters called on schools and parents to prevent bullying.

After thousands of federal employees were fired in recent weeks, articles and posts discussed the mental health impact of job loss and the fear of unemployment. In an NPR article, federal employees discussed feeling anxiety about potentially losing their jobs, and one mentioned calling the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Plus, a Reddit user who identified themself as a veteran and federal employee shared a post stating that they were experiencing thoughts of suicide during the recent wave of firings. The post received approximately 1,100 upvotes and 750 comments as of March 5. Many commenters shared free mental health resources, such as the Veterans Crisis Line and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

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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.

Conversations about Medicaid provide an opportunity to explain that it provides free and low-cost health insurance—including for mental health services—for low-income adults, children, pregnant people, people with disabilities, and people who are 65 or older. Explaining how to apply for Medicaid and what Medicaid is called in your state is recommended. Communicators may also want to share free mental health resources, such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and support groups, and sliding scale therapy options.

In light of ongoing conversation about bullying in schools, communicators may continue circulating bullying prevention resources for children and their caregivers, as well as the warning signs of bullying. Outlining the warning signs of suicide in children and teens and sharing mental health resources geared toward youth—including the peer support hotline YouthLine and the Trevor Project’s hotline for LGBTQ+ youth—is recommended.

Conversations about the mental health impacts of employment insecurity provide an opportunity to share tips for coping with work-related stress and job loss. Continuing to share free and low-cost mental health resources is recommended.