Social media users question mental health screenings at routine checkups

Conversations also highlighted a new study on the mental health benefits of gender-affirming care, plus the importance of treating postpartum depression.

This past week, a viral X post joking about mental health screenings at routine medical appointments sparked discussion about why these screenings occur and what happens if patients share that they experience suicidal thoughts. Plus, social media posts responding to a new study on gender-affirming hormone therapy and mental health falsely claimed that gender-affirming care comes with high rates of regret. Other posts discussed an Alabama bill that would mandate screening patients covered by Medicaid for postpartum depression.

In light of these conversations, communicators may explain what to expect from a mental health screening at a medical appointment, outline the mental health benefits of gender-affirming care, and share PPD treatment options.

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What’s trending nationally in conversations about mental health

On March 17, an X user shared a photo to sarcastically describe how health care providers respond when patients say they are experiencing suicidal thoughts. The post received approximately 3.5 million views, 261,000 likes, 30,000 reposts, and 180 comments as of March 26. Many commenters mentioned lying during mental health screenings at routine medical appointments due to fear of forced hospitalization, and some wondered why they are screened for depression and other mental health conditions.

Multiple news outlets reported on a new study that found that gender-affirming hormone therapy was associated with improved mental health outcomes in transgender adults, consistent with previous research. Those articles were shared on Facebook, where some commenters discussed the benefits of gender-affirming hormone therapy and shared their own positive experiences with gender-affirming care. Others, however, falsely claimed that trans people who receive gender-affirming care frequently regret the decision and alleged without evidence that the study’s results were invalid.

On March 18, Alabama’s House of Representative passed a bill mandating that health care providers assess postpartum patients covered by Medicaid for PPD. The bill will now go to the Alabama Senate for consideration. Articles about the bill were shared on Facebook, where many commenters stated that the bill was a positive step for maternal mental health. However, some said the bill was insufficient, as it does not mandate treatment. Additionally, they noted that those screened for PPD may not be able to afford treatment or have adequate support.

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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.

In response to questions about mental health screenings at routine medical appointments, messaging may explain that health care providers ask patients questions about mental health to determine if the patient is at risk of developing a mental health condition, needs more testing to diagnose or rule out a mental health condition, or needs immediate mental health care. Answering these screening questions truthfully is important so that patients can access the care they need, which can be life saving. The health care provider may then refer the patient to mental health specialists if needed. In most states, patients must be deemed a danger to themselves or others before they can be involuntarily hospitalized for a mental health condition. However, some states allow people to be involuntarily hospitalized if they refuse necessary mental health treatment, even if they are not a danger to themselves or others. Ensuring that messaging reflects your state’s laws is recommended. Communicators may also want to outline what to expect during in-patient hospitalization; share suicide prevention resources, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline; and recirculate general mental health resources, such as therapist directories, support groups, local mental health centers, and mental health helplines.

Conversations about gender-affirming care provide an opportunity to reiterate its mental health benefits. Messaging may emphasize that regret after receiving gender-affirming hormone therapy or surgery is extremely rare. A 2024 study found very high rates of satisfaction among trans teens who received puberty blockers—which temporarily delay puberty—and hormone replacement therapy, and 97 percent of the study’s participants continued accessing this care. A 2024 systematic review found that less than 1 percent of trans people regret receiving gender-affirming surgery. This is significantly lower than the regret rates for other elective surgeries and major life decisions, like having children. Communicators may also want to share mental health resources for trans people, such as therapist 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.

In light of conversations about PPD, communicators may outline symptoms and treatment options. Communicators may also want to share free and low-cost mental health resources for pregnant and postpartum people, including sliding scale options, support groups, local mental health centers, the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline, and the Postpartum Support International HelpLine.