Commenters equate medical aid in dying with suicide

Meanwhile, posts debated an “off label” medication for anxiety.

A group of Michigan bills that would legalize medical aid in dying sparked debate about whether it’s “the same as suicide.” Plus, a video criticizing a seizure medication  prompted discussion about its use for mental health conditions like anxiety. Additionally, a mother’s apparent suicide, which also led to her child’s death, fueled conversation about postpartum depression.

In response, communicators may circulate mental health resources for people with terminal illnesses and their caregivers, share anxiety treatment options, and highlight the signs of PPD.

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What’s trending nationally in conversations about mental health

In the past week, articles reported that Michigan lawmakers are considering a group of bills called the “Death with Dignity Act.” Introduced in April, the bills would allow patients with terminal diagnoses that will cause death within six months to request medication to end their lives. The medication would only be prescribed after strict evaluations and counseling about other care options. Social media users had mixed reactions to the bills. While some expressed support for medical aid in dying, others equated it with suicide and worried it “encourages” suicide.

On June 5, a social media influencer shared a video criticizing gabapentin, a medication approved to manage seizures and pain, alleging that it’s unsafe. Health care providers sometimes prescribe gabapentin “off label” to treat mental health conditions like anxiety. Many commenters focused on the medication’s use in mental health care and shared their experiences. While some said gabapentin helped their anxiety, others reported side effects like memory problems and expressed concern that patients aren’t adequately informed about anxiety treatment options.

On June 1, a Virginia mother and her 3-year-old child died in a house fire after the mother set herself on fire. The mother’s family said she had a history of mental health conditions and suicidal ideation. Social media users speculated that the mother was experiencing PPD. Many discussed their own postpartum mental health struggles, including depression, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts. Commenters urged loved ones to watch for signs of PPD and help people with PPD access mental health care.

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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.

Conversations about medical aid in dying provide an opportunity to recirculate mental health resources for people with terminal illnesses and their caregivers, including local or virtual support groups or local therapist directories. In response to concerns that medical aid in dying could “encourage” suicide, messaging can highlight the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and emphasize that anyone can speak to a trained counselor for free.

Discussions about gabapentin provide an opportunity to urge people experiencing anxiety to talk to a health care provider about the best treatment option for them. Communicators may circulate the symptoms of anxiety, as well as general mental health resources, including therapist directories, support groups, and local mental health centers.

Tragic events potentially related to PPD often spike conversation about treatment and support. Messaging may explain that PPD can be life-threatening and is common—impacting about one in eight people who give birth in the U.S. Highlighting its symptoms and treatment options, including therapy and medication, is recommended. Communicators may also want to share free and low-cost mental health resources for pregnant and postpartum people, such as sliding scale therapy, support groups, local mental health centers, the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline, and the Postpartum Support International HelpLine.