Commenters urge others to take suicide warning signs seriously

Posts also expressed concern about a Supreme Court ruling against Colorado’s conversion therapy ban.

Recent social media posts recirculated a video that allegedly depicted suicide, and some commenters expressed concern that people who share suicidal thoughts may not receive help. Other posts highlighted a Supreme Court ruling on conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ youth in Colorado and debated whether social media platforms need safeguards to protect children’s safety and mental health. 

In response, communicators may highlight suicide prevention resources and share mental health resources geared toward youth, including LGBTQ+ youth.

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What’s trending nationally in conversations about mental health

On March 25, a Reddit user shared a video that allegedly shows a man placing a loaded gun in front of his “depressed son” and after the son shared thoughts of suicide. The person in the video is then shown shooting himself. The post claimed the video depicts a 2015 incident in Thailand and linked to a related news article, but the connection between the video and the reported incident is unverified. It is also unclear whether the footage shows a real event, a reenactment, or manipulated content. The post received approximately 3,000 upvotes as of April 7. The same day, an X post referencing the video gained more than 11 million views, 289,000 likes, 12,000 reposts, and 800 comments as of April 7. Most commenters expressed compassion for people who die by suicide and shared concern that those who experience suicidal ideation may be accused of seeking attention when they ask for help. Many also encouraged others to watch for suicide warnings signs in their loved ones.

On March 31, the Supreme Court ruled against Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy—which attempts to change the sexual orientation or gender identities of LGBTQ+ youth—saying that the ban violates the First Amendment. Now a lower court will decide whether the ban will remain in effect. Social media users responding to the news expressed alarm that Colorado could allow conversion therapy again, with many noting that the discredited practice is linked to depression, PTSD, and thoughts of suicide. A few argued in favor of conversion therapy, suggesting that LGBTQ-affirming therapy “confuses” youth.

On March 24, a New Mexico jury found Meta guilty of misleading users about the safety of its social media platforms, which allowed sexual predators to contact minors. Many social media users celebrated the ruling, sharing stories about how content on Meta’s platforms caused their children to experience depression and anxiety. Some argued that social media platforms don’t need features that protect children’s safety and mental health and that it’s up to caregivers to monitor children’s social media use.

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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 suicide provide an opportunity to recirculate suicide warning signs. Messaging directing people to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline may highlight that it is free and available anytime in English and Spanish, with options to call, text, or chat online. Communicators may also want to share general mental health resources, such as therapist directories, local mental health centers, and support groups. Sharing support groups and other resources for those who have lost loved ones to suicide is also recommended.

In light of discussions about conversion therapy, messaging may stress that conversion therapy is linked to social and mental health consequences like depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, loss of community, and family problems. Messaging may direct people to LGBTQ-affirming mental health resources for youth, such as therapist databases where people can search for LGBTQ+-informed therapists, support groups, the Trevor Project’s hotline for LGBTQ+ youth, Trans Lifeline, and the LGBT National Help Center.

Given ongoing concerns about social media and youth mental health, communicators may continue to highlight the mental health risks of youth social media use and share tips for helping youth use social media safely. Communicators may also share general mental health resources geared toward youth, including the peer support hotline YouthLine, mental health warning signs in youth, and information for caregivers about supporting children’s mental health.