Mass shooting in Manhattan fuels conversation about concussions and mental health
Conversations about SSRIs during pregnancy continued, and posts discussed mental health screenings in schools.
Conversations about SSRIs during pregnancy continued, and posts discussed mental health screenings in schools.
After a mass shooting in New York City, social media users discussed the shooter’s history of mental health problems and concussions. Meanwhile, a recent FDA panel on the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors during pregnancy continued driving online conversation, while other posts discussed a new Illinois law that will require mental health screenings for public school students.
In light of these discussions, communicators may share information about concussions and mental health, continue circulating information about SSRIs during pregnancy, and share mental health resources for students.
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 28, a 27-year-old former high school football player shot and killed four people and then died by suicide in New York City. Several articles discussing the shooting noted that the shooter had a history of mental and physical health problems, including depression, insomnia, migraines, and concussions. Investigators said he carried a note in his wallet claiming that he had chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a brain disease likely caused by repeated head injuries. Social media users across platforms shared articles about the shooting. Several commenters said that they would not allow their children to play football due to the risk of CTE and its mental health impacts.
This past week, conversation continued about a July FDA panel on SSRIs during pregnancy that spread misleading claims about safety. Recent articles quoted experts who spoke out against the panel, correctly stating that most SSRIs are safe during pregnancy and that untreated depression carries serious risks. Social media users across platforms shared personal stories about having healthy pregnancies while taking SSRIs and expressed concern that the FDA panel could dissuade pregnant people from taking potentially lifesaving medication.
On July 31, Illinois became the first state to require annual mental health screenings for public school students beginning in third grade. The screenings will start in the 2027-2028 school year and will connect families to mental health resources. Parents will be able to opt out of screenings. While some social media users shared support for the law, others expressed concern about schools having access to students’ mental health information, worried that it would lead to students being prescribed unnecessary mental health medication, and suggested that parents and caregivers should be responsible for students’ mental health.
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.
Conversations about the mental health impacts of concussions provide an opportunity to explain that concussions have been linked to anxiety and depression. CTE, a brain disease that causes nerve cells in the brain to die, is likely caused by repeated concussions. It can lead to memory loss, mood changes, and aggressive behavior. Sharing information about concussion prevention and warning signs is recommended. Communicators may also want to circulate general mental health resources, such as therapist directories, support groups, local mental health centers, and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
In response to ongoing discussions about SSRIs during pregnancy, messaging may emphasize that most SSRIs are safe during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Discontinuing SSRIs during pregnancy comes with risks for birthing parents and their babies. Communicators may also want to recirculate mental health resources for pregnant and postpartum people, such as therapist directories, support groups, local mental health centers, the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline, and the Postpartum Support International HelpLine.
Conversations about students’ mental health provide an opportunity to share mental health resources geared toward youth, including the peer support hotline YouthLine and the Trevor Project’s hotline for LGBTQ+ youth. Communicators may also want to share mental health warning signs in youth and information for caregivers about supporting children’s mental health.