Actor’s comments about his daughter’s suicide fuel widespread conversation about grief

Plus, posts about Mental Health Awareness Month drew mixed reactions.

After actor Martin Short discussed his daughter’s suicide during a news program, social media users shared their own stories about losing loved ones to suicide and encouraged others to seek grief support. Meanwhile, some posts highlighting Mental Health Awareness Month were met with stigma.

In light of these conversations, communicators may share suicide prevention and grief resources, along with tips for fighting mental health stigma.

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What’s trending nationally in conversations about mental health

On May 10, actor Martin Short spoke to CBS News about his daughter, who died by suicide in February. Short compared his daughter’s depression to his late wife’s cancer, saying they “are both diseases, and sometimes with diseases they are terminal.” Commenters expressed sympathy for Short and praised his framing of mental health conditions as serious illnesses, noting that this approach could help reduce stigma. Many also shared stories about losing loved ones to suicide and encouraged people experiencing grief to seek support from friends, family, and mental health professionals.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Recent social media posts across platforms encouraged people to speak openly about mental health, and some received millions of views as of May 18. Many commenters shared their own  experiences with mental health symptoms and treatment, including therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Some, however, dismissed mental health treatment and alleged that people who speak openly about mental health conditions are attention-seeking.

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Recommendations for public health professionals

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 discussions about grief and suicide, communicators may share warning signs of suicide, free suicide prevention resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and support groups and other resources for those who have lost loved ones to suicide. Messaging may also include general mental health resources, such as therapist directories and local mental health centers.

Stigmatizing conversations provide an opportunity to correct myths about mental health conditions. Communicators may emphasize that, like physical health conditions, mental health conditions are real, can significantly affect daily life, and may require treatment like therapy and medication. Messaging may include signs of mental health conditions, available treatment options, and tips for reducing mental health stigma.