Debate erupts after pop star cancels shows, allegedly due to mental health concerns

In other discussions, posts expressed frustration with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and responded to a recent study on suicide among trans youth.

This past week, online conversation about mental health focused heavily on pop star Chappell Roan, who recently canceled her performances at a music festival and implied that the decision was due to mental health concerns. Other posts discussed challenges with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and reacted to a recent study about suicide attempts among trans and nonbinary youth.

In response, public health communicators may recirculate mental health warning signs and promote messaging that addresses mental health stigma. Communicators may also explain how 988 works and share alternative hotlines, reiterate the mental health benefits of gender-affirming care, and share resources for trans youth.

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What’s trending nationally in conversations about mental health

On September 27, pop artist Chappell Roan shared an Instagram story stating that she would be canceling her performances at an upcoming music festival to “prioritize my health.” The story alluded to the criticism Roan has been receiving in response to her recent TikTok video about the presidential election, leading many to assume that Roan canceled her shows due to mental health concerns. Roan’s cancellation received mixed responses on social media, with some users supporting the star, who has previously stated that she has been diagnosed with bipolar II disorder and depression. One X post read, “Mental health is volatile and you can spiral into crisis at any time without warning. we don’t know (and truly have no right to know) why she canceled, but your empathy for people struggling cannot stop when it is inconvenient.” That post received approximately 63,700 views, 2,600 likes, 390 reposts, and 10 comments as of October 2. Other X posts criticized Roan, claiming that she “needs a new career” if she is unable to handle backlash. Critics also flooded the comments section of Roan’s most recent Instagram post, with some stating that Roan brought this on herself when she decided to openly discuss politics and that she is “not cut out for being famous.” Some commenters came to Roan’s defense, stating, “I am so horrified by the comments acting like she is committing a crime by cancelling some shows. What happened to the culture of work life balance we are trying to create for the general public?” and, “Some of you genuinely seem too young to understand that some of the most famous musicians of all time couldn’t handle the pressure of fame, and those stars aren’t working now because they’re dead. Mental and physical health matters above all else.”

On September 25, articles reported that the Federal Communications Commision will soon vote on a rule that would mandate georouting to ensure that all calls to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline go to local call centers. While a few major phone providers have already implemented georouting, some 988 calls are currently routed to call centers within the area code of the caller’s phone number, which may not match their location and may prevent operators from connecting callers to adequate local resources. In other conversations about 988, Reddit users recently discussed negative experiences with the hotline, noting prolonged wait times and operators hanging up on callers.

A study published on September 26 found that between 2015 and 2022, suicide attempts among transgender and nonbinary youth increased in states that had enacted anti-trans legislation. Several national media outlets reported on the study, including CNN, which shared the article on Facebook. The post received approximately 415 reactions, 60 shares, and 520 comments as of October 2, with some comments sharing support for trans youth and others citing the false claim that gender-affirming care results in negative mental health effects.

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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 criticizing Roan for prioritizing her health indicate a need for education about the importance of taking mental health seriously. Messaging may emphasize that speaking openly about mental health and expressing compassion for those who are struggling with mental health are important ways to fight stigma. Sharing mental health warning signs and providing tips for improving work-life balance is recommended. Communicators may also want to recirculate general mental health resources, including therapist directories and local support groups.

In response to concerns about 988, messaging may explain that Verizon and T-Mobile users who call 988 will be routed to a call center close to their physical location. Callers who use other phone providers may be routed to call centers that correspond with their phone number’s area code and may not be connected to local resources. However, 988 operators at any call center can still help those in crisis. Sharing local mental health resources that people can access during a crisis—such as mental health centers—is recommended. Communicators may also want to share alternative mental health hotlines, such as the THRIVE Lifeline, as well as hotlines that serve specific communities, like the peer support hotline YouthLine, the Trevor Project’s hotline for LGBTQ+ youth, the BIPOC-led Call BlackLine, the Indigenous-led StrongHearts Native Helpline, the LGBT National Help Center, and Trans Lifeline.