Executive order fuels alarm about involuntary hospitalization for people with mental health conditions
The impact of smartphones on children’s mental health and a recent FDA panel on SSRIs during pregnancy also sparked conversation.
The impact of smartphones on children’s mental health and a recent FDA panel on SSRIs during pregnancy also sparked conversation.
Last week, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that makes it easier for states to involuntarily hospitalize unhoused people with mental health conditions, generating concern online. Plus, social media users highlighted a new study on the mental health impacts of children’s smartphone use and debated whether selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are safe during pregnancy following an FDA panel.
Given these discussions, communicators may recirculate mental health resources for unhoused people, share tips for parents and guardians monitoring their children’s smartphone use, and share information about SSRIs and pregnancy.
Insights brought to you by the reporters and science writers of Public Good News (PGN), a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to improving community health.
What’s trending nationally in conversations about mental health
On July 24, President Trump signed an executive order that makes it easier for states to remove homeless encampments and force unhoused people with mental health conditions or substance use disorders into treatment programs. Social media posts across platforms discussed the order, and many expressed concern that it could lead to mass involuntary hospitalization of people with mental health conditions. Some trans people wondered if they could be targeted by this order since gender dysphoria—a feeling of unease that some trans people experience when their perceived gender doesn’t match their gender identity—is listed as a mental health condition in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Others defended the order, suggesting that it would keep people safe from those who are “a danger to themselves or others.”
Last week, articles reported on a new study published in the Journal of Human Development and Capabilities that found that children who own smartphones before age 13 may have worse mental health outcomes in young adulthood, particularly for females. Social media posts across platforms shared articles about the study. Some commenters shared personal stories about how smartphones negatively impacted their children’s mental health. Others said that children and teens should have smartphones but that parents should strictly monitor social media use.
On July 21, an FDA panel discussed the use of SSRIs during pregnancy. Most panelists misleadingly claimed that all SSRIs are unsafe for pregnant people and their babies, suggesting without evidence that the medications cause autism and miscarriage. Some also falsely claimed that SSRIs do not have any benefits. Experts quoted in articles about the panel debunked some of the panelists’ false claims and correctly noted that untreated depression during pregnancy increases the risk of substance use disorder, preterm birth, preeclampsia, low birth weight, and suicide. Some social media users expressed frustration with the panelists’ false and misleading claims, and several said that taking SSRIs during pregnancy saved their lives. Others falsely claimed that SSRIs are dangerous for everyone, especially pregnant and breastfeeding people and their babies.
Recommendations brought to you by the health communication experts behind Infodemiology.com.
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.
Communicators may also want to share mental health resources for unhoused people, including local outreach and crisis intervention programs and information about local shelters. Recirculating free mental health resources, such as SAMHSA’s National Helpline and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, is recommended. Communicators may also want to share resources for friends and family members supporting people with mental health conditions who are unhoused or may become unhoused.
Ongoing concerns about youth smartphone use provide an opportunity to note that nearly half of teens have experienced some form of cyberbullying, including harassment and image-based sexual abuse and that LGBTQ+ youth experience cyberbullying at disproportionate rates. Recirculating resources for parents and caregivers is recommended, including mental health warning signs in youth and conversation starters and tips for helping youth safely use social media.
In response to false and misleading claims about SSRIs during pregnancy, communicators may explain that most SSRIs are safe during pregnancy and while breastfeeding and that avoiding or discontinuing SSRIs comes with risks. Messaging may highlight a recent statement from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists noting that untreated depression during pregnancy “can put our patients at risk for substance use, preterm birth, preeclampsia, limited engagement in medical care and self-care, low birth weight, impaired attachment with their infant, and even suicide.” Communicators may encourage pregnant people to talk to their health care providers about any medications they take, including SSRIs. Messaging may also share mental health resources for pregnant and postpartum people, including therapist directories, support groups, local mental health centers, the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline, and the Postpartum Support International HelpLine.