Social media users debate whether dietary changes ‘cure’ mental health conditions
Commenters also discussed the impact of nicotine on mental health.
Commenters also discussed the impact of nicotine on mental health.
Earlier this month, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. alleged that a ketogenic diet—one high in fat and very low in carbohydrates—can “cure” schizophrenia, sparking debate about whether dietary changes can eliminate or improve mental health conditions. Other posts highlighted a study about how nicotine use may impact mental health and discussed an Ohio bill that would connect pregnant people to mental health treatment.
Given these discussions, communicators may share information about diet, nicotine use, and mental health and recirculate mental health resources for pregnant people.
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What’s trending nationally in conversations about mental health
On February 4, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., speaking on a national tour to encourage people to “eat real food,” claimed that a Harvard doctor had “cured schizophrenia” using the ketogenic diet. While some research suggests that this diet may help people with schizophrenia manage symptoms, schizophrenia does not have a known cure. Since Kennedy’s speech, debate about the claim has persisted online. Some alleged that following a ketogenic diet or making other dietary changes could “cure” mental health conditions and shared personal stories about improvements in their mental health. Others worried that Kennedy’s claim could dissuade people with schizophrenia and other mental health conditions from taking medication that may improve their quality of life.
On February 2, a Reddit user shared a 2025 study that found that nicotine use, especially during adolescence, is associated with an increased risk of substance use disorder and mood disorders in adulthood. The post garnered approximately 6,300 upvotes and 270 comments as of February 19. Some commenters speculated that their mental health conditions could have been caused by growing up with parents who smoked at home. Others suggested that nicotine use doesn’t cause mental health conditions but that people with mental health conditions are more likely to smoke or vape.
On February 11, Ohio state Senator Casey Weinstein shared a Facebook post stating that he is co-sponsoring a bill that would ensure that pregnant people who are at risk for mental health concerns receive direct referrals to care after screening. While some commenters celebrated the bill, others expressed concern that even if pregnant people are referred to mental health treatment, they could still face long wait times. Several advocated for more awareness about mental health challenges during pregnancy.
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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 conversations about diet and mental health, messaging may emphasize that dietary changes are not a substitute for psychiatric medication, although eating certain foods may improve some mental health symptoms. Communicators may encourage people who take psychiatric medication to continue taking their medication as prescribed and to only make adjustments under the guidance of their health care provider. Communicators may also want to recirculate general mental health resources, such as support groups, local mental health centers, and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Given concerns about the impact of teen nicotine use on mental health, messaging may note that nicotine is highly addictive and has adverse health effects across age groups. Messaging for teens and their caregivers may emphasize that nicotine use—including through pouches, e-cigarettes, and cigarettes—is linked to anxiety, depression, issues with brain development, and higher risk of substance use disorder. Communicators may also want to share mental health warning signs in youth, resources for youth who are trying to quit smoking or vaping, and general mental health resources for young people, such as the peer support hotline YouthLine and the Trevor Project’s hotline for LGBTQ+ youth.
Conversations about pregnancy and mental health provide an opportunity to share the signs of depression and anxiety during pregnancy. Messaging may include mental health resources for pregnant and postpartum people, including therapist directories, support groups, local mental health centers, and the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline, which pregnant people can call or text any time to speak to a trained counselor.