Commenters stigmatize postpartum depression
Individuals also responded to articles about eating disorders in women over 40 and barriers to mental health treatment.
Individuals also responded to articles about eating disorders in women over 40 and barriers to mental health treatment.
Last week, a popular X post sparked conversation about postpartum depression, and many commenters expressed stigmatizing views toward people with PPD. Other discussions highlighted recent articles about the prevalence of eating disorders in women over 40 and barriers to mental health treatment.
In light of these discussions, communicators may share resources for people with PPD and EDs and recirculate general mental health resources.
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What’s trending nationally in conversations about mental health
On June 4, an X user shared a post that read, “If postpartum literally makes mothers suicidal how is it safe to let her leave with a baby.” The post received approximately 6.6 million views, 29,000 likes, 3,100 reposts, and 460 comments as of June 11. Many commenters expressed stigmatizing views toward people with PPD, including celebrities who have spoken openly about it, calling PPD an “excuse” for poor behavior. However, others stated that PPD is common and that new parents need more support from friends, family, and mental health care providers.
On June 3, the New York Times published an article highlighting EDs in women over 40, noting that many women struggle to access treatment for decades. The newspaper shared the article on Facebook, where the post received approximately 3.5 million views, 51,000 reactions, and 390 comments as of June 11. Many commenters shared their own experiences with EDs and said that the prevalence of EDs in women over 40 deserves more attention.
On June 2, ProPublica shared an article on multiple social media platforms about an Arizona mother who is suing a health insurance company after her son was unable to find mental health treatment and died, likely due to complications from excessive drinking. In her lawsuit, the mother said that the health insurance company did not provide an accurate list of in-network providers and failed to connect her son to covered care. Many commenters on the posts on Bluesky shared personal stories about times when they struggled to find mental health care or faced long wait times, despite having insurance.
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.
Online conversations about PPD often stigmatize the mental health condition. In response, communicators may explain that PPD is common, impacting about one in eight people who give birth in the U.S. Communicators may outline the warning signs of PPD and treatment options. Communicators may also want to 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..
Articles highlighting EDs in women over 40 provide an opportunity to share general information about the types of EDs, their symptoms, and treatment options. Messaging may emphasize that EDs can impact anyone, regardless of age, race, gender, or body size. Sharing information about therapist directories where people can search for providers who specialize in EDs, support groups, and local ED treatment centers is recommended. Communicators may also want to direct people to Project HEAL’s Treatment Access Program, which connects people with EDs to no-cost and sliding scale treatment and financial assistance.
In response to conversations about barriers to mental health treatment, communicators may share free and low-cost mental health resources, including sliding scale therapy, support groups, local mental health centers, and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Sharing information about navigating health insurance for mental health treatment is also recommended.