Posts promote sour candy to manage anxiety
Debate also unfolded about how celebrities’ weight loss could impact people with eating disorders.
Debate also unfolded about how celebrities’ weight loss could impact people with eating disorders.
Last week, a flurry of social media posts across platforms suggested that eating sour candy may help manage panic attacks and anxiety, with many commenters suggesting additional calming and grounding techniques. Meanwhile, social media users expressed concern about a celebrity’s apparent weight loss and debated whether commenting on celebrities’ bodies helps or harms people who are struggling with eating disorders. Posts also discussed potential sexual side effects of antidepressants, with some blaming the medications for low marriage and birth rates.
In light of these discussions, communicators may share tips for managing panic attacks and anxiety, offer ED treatment resources, and recirculate information about antidepressants.
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What’s trending nationally in conversations about mental health
Last week, several social media accounts shared a post stating that sour candy may help stop panic attacks, garnering millions of views and many comments from people who have used this technique. Sour candy’s effect on anxiety hasn’t been researched, but some mental health experts believe it may help people stay grounded in the present. Others shared additional tips for managing anxiety, like taking cold showers, putting their hands or face in ice, spending time with pets, or smelling eucalyptus or lavender. Some were skeptical about the benefits of sour candy, saying that it doesn’t address the root cause of anxiety and cannot compare to medications that treat anxiety.
After the release of the movie Wicked: For Good on November 21, social media users across platforms have claimed that actor and singer Ariana Grande may have an eating disorder. Many posts suggested that Grande and other cast members have lost an unhealthy amount of weight and that their public appearances may be triggering to those who are struggling with EDs or are in recovery. Some cited other celebrities who have lost weight in recent years and expressed concern about how Hollywood beauty standards impact consumers. Others suggested that commenting on Grande’s appearance is harmful to Grande and people with EDs.
On November 16, an X user shared a post alleging without evidence that antidepressants have caused low marriage and birth rates, claiming that the medications “kill your ability to connect.” Commenters debated whether antidepressants impact emotional connection. Some shared a recent New York Times article outlining how in some cases, sexual dysfunction—a potential side effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors—may last for years after stopping the medication. Those commenters suggested that SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction is leading to low marriage and birth rates and that medications are overprescribed, while others said that antidepressants are lifesaving.
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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 sour candy and anxiety provide an opportunity to share research-backed tips for stopping panic attacks and managing anxiety. Communicators may also want to highlight the types of anxiety disorders and treatment options, which may include therapy and medication. Messaging may circulate directories where people can search for mental health providers who specialize in anxiety, local support groups, mental health hospitals, and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Given discussions about celebrities and EDs, communicators may share tips for navigating social media and body image. Messaging may also outline types of eating disorders, their warning signs, and treatment resources, including local eating disorder treatment centers and Project HEAL, which helps people overcome financial barriers to eating disorder treatment.
In response to concerns about the potential sexual side effects of antidepressants, communicators may outline the types of antidepressants, how they work, and what conditions they treat. Messaging may emphasize that antidepressants can be lifesaving and help people with depression and other conditions complete necessary tasks and lead healthier lives. Communicators may note that like all medications, antidepressants may cause some side effects, and some may cause low libido and decreased sexual satisfaction. Communicators may encourage people who are experiencing side effects from antidepressants to talk to their health care provider about adjusting their dosage or trying another antidepressant. Messaging may stress that people who are prescribed antidepressants should not reduce or stop taking their medication without guidance from a health care provider.