Popular educator draws debate about psychiatric medication

Commenters also discussed how celebrity culture and images could fuel eating disorders.

Earlier this month, the popular YouTube influencer and educator Ms. Rachel shared a social media post aiming to destigmatize psychiatric medication, sparking debate about “overprescribing.” Meanwhile, singer Ariana Grande’s apparent weight loss sparked ongoing discussion about how images of celebrities may impact people with eating disorders and those at risk. Additionally, Lindsay Clancy’s murder trial continued to generate online discussion about postpartum mental health conditions.

In response, communicators may share information about mental health treatment, including treatment for EDs and postpartum mental health conditions.

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What’s trending nationally in conversations about mental health

On August 6, Ms. Rachel shared an Instagram post saying that she takes psychiatric medication. The caption read, “And there’s nothing wrong or shameful about taking meds for mental health. No need to stigmatize mental health or medication.” The post received approximately 4.2 million views, 346,100 likes, and 4,000 comments as of August 18. Commenters largely echoed Ms. Rachel’s call to destigmatize psychiatric medication, and many shared personal stories about how medication improved their lives. Some, however, expressed concern that psychiatric medication is “overprescribed” or unnecessary and expressed stigmatizing attitudes toward those who take it.

On August 2, a representative for Ariana Grande said the singer will take “a step back from visibility” after her tour ends on September 1. The announcement followed a wave of public scrutiny about Grande’s apparent weight loss, with many social media users suggesting that she may have an ED. The announcement added to ongoing online discussion about EDs. Some expressed concern about how images of thin celebrities impact people who struggle with body image, particularly children and teens. Others suggested that commenting on Grande’s appearance is harmful to her and people with EDs.

Over the past two weeks, social media users continued discussing an ongoing trial against Lindsay Clancy, a Massachusetts woman accused of killing her three children before attempting suicide in 2023. As the trial continues to highlight Clancy’s mental health and psychiatric treatment, some social media users have framed the case as both an individual tragedy and an example of an inadequate maternal mental health care system. Many suggested that mental health conditions, including postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis, are underdiagnosed and not adequately treated, with some sharing personal stories about struggling to access 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 psychiatric medication provide an opportunity to explain that mental health treatment is different for everyone and may include therapy and medication. Messaging may stress that people taking psychiatric medication should talk with a health care provider before changing or stopping their medication. Communicators may direct people to SAMHSA’s National Helpline, which helps people find mental health treatment nearby, and circulate general mental health resources, including therapist directories, support groups, and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Given discussion about EDs, communicators may share the types, warning signs, and treatment resources, including local ED treatment centers and Project HEAL, which helps people overcome financial barriers to ED treatment. Messaging may also include information about maintaining a healthy body image, including resources geared toward youth.

Amid ongoing conversation about postpartum mental health conditions, communicators may continue to outline the signs of PPD and postpartum psychosis, which can both be life-threatening. Messaging may stress that postpartum psychosis is a mental health emergency, and people who recognize signs of postpartum psychosis should seek immediate medical care. Communicators may continue sharing 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, the Postpartum Support International HelpLine, and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s maternal mental health resource.