Because MH has become such a hot topic…you’re seeing more & more orgs/groups attempting to address it proactively. Generally, & in aggregate we’d think this is a good thing. The problem is, there is such a need for nuance in this space as to how things are delivered, that even when there are good intentions, if things aren’t worded correctly, or supported properly, the help being offered can end up finding sufferers in a worse spot, not a better one.
I thought to address this particular topic bc in Stories, a community member tagged me on a effort that IG’s making to offer help to individuals facing challenges. Even if we believe IG has the best & purest of intentions, sometimes these efforts to help can fall really short.
Take a look at slide 2➡️. You’ll see how IG’s addressing MH when someone types hashtag “depression” in search. You’re prompted at first, before you see posts, to think abt getting help. Good thing? Maybe. But look at the execution: “posts w the word you’re searching for often encourage behavior that can cause harm & even lead to death.” WHAT?
Just think abt this! Is that a help msg or an indemnification letter?? So now, ppl who might be struggling, who type in to look at depression – essentially are being told – if you feel: flat, out of it, confused, w/o energy, melancholic, numb (my words), you’re at risk for hurting yourself & dying.
Talk abt a msg that’ll DISCOURAGE help seeking. Something as common as depression & this is what they (a company drawing some of the largest eyeballs in the world) hit us w? Who writes this copy?
Then I searched hashtag suicide, & found the same note. Ok, MAYBE this is appropriate language for those searching suicide. But they use the SAME language for depression?
Gonna share more in comments, bc there’s way more to say – abt IG, & elsewhere. But words matter. Nuance matters. When it’s addressed clumsily like this, it’s possible more damage than good is being done! Encouraging help doesn’t mean we should be scaring/damning ppl for struggling.
