Trans military ban fuels false claims that being trans is a mental health condition
Social media users also alleged that ADHD medication is unsafe and highlighted teachers’ mental health.
Social media users also alleged that ADHD medication is unsafe and highlighted teachers’ mental health.
Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed President Donald Trump to implement an executive order banning transgender people from military service. In response, social media users discussed the ban, falsely claiming that being trans is a mental health condition. Other discussions highlighted ADHD symptoms and medication—with some falsely claiming that ADHD medication is unsafe—and called attention to teachers’ mental health.
In response, communicators may reiterate that being trans is not a mental health condition, outline the benefits of ADHD medication, and share mental health resources for teachers.
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 May 6, the U.S. Supreme Court lifted an injunction that had blocked an executive order banning trans people from serving in the military. On May 10, an X user shared a video of a trans military member discussing how the ban will cause him to lose his career and retirement benefits after serving in the military for 18 years. The post received approximately 814,000 views, 4,600 likes, 1,200 reposts, and 2,700 comments as of May 14. While many commenters expressed support for trans people in the military, others argued that trans people should not serve in the military, falsely claiming that being trans is a mental health condition.
On March 10, a podcaster interviewed a psychiatrist about how ADHD affects decision-making, plus the most effective treatment options. An X post, which received approximately 2 million views as of May 14, summarized key points from the interview, sparking discussion about ADHD. Many commenters shared their personal experiences with ADHD symptoms. However, some falsely claimed that ADHD is not real and that ADHD medication is unsafe and unnecessary.
On May 5, a teacher-focused Facebook page shared a blog post by a person who quit teaching due to its negative impact on her mental health. The post received approximately 260 comments as of May 14, including many from teachers who expressed feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed due to work demands.
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.
The persistent false claim that being trans is a mental health condition shows ongoing confusion about trans people. Communicators may emphasize that while trans people may experience psychological distress in response to legal stigma and discrimination, all major mental health organizations agree that trans identities are normal variants of human gender and are not mental health conditions. Recirculating mental health resources geared toward trans people is recommended, such as directories where people can search for trans-informed therapists and support groups, the Trans Lifeline, the Trevor Project’s hotline for LGBTQ+ youth, and the LGBT National Help Center.
In response to false claims about ADHD and medications that treat it, messaging may explain that ADHD is a brain difference that makes it harder to control attention and complete tasks. Communicators may share the types of ADHD medication and their benefits. Messaging may emphasize that ADHD medications are safe when taken as prescribed. Patients should talk to their health care provider about their medical history and any other medications they take before starting any new treatment. Additional messaging may note that using lifestyle changes to manage ADHD works best when implemented alongside medication and therapy.
Conversations about teachers’ mental health provide an opportunity to share mental health resources for teachers, as well as tips for supporting mental health in the workplace and managing work-related stress. Communicators may also want to recirculate general mental health resources, such as therapist databases, support groups, local mental health centers, and mental health hotlines like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.