It has been an incredibly busy season of travel. Between conferences, road trips with my Dad, and day trips, I feel like I haven’t had a chance to catch my breath.

And though I have loved every second of the wild adventures I have taken (hello Mental Health Marketing Conference balloon rides, Northern Lights over the Mississippi, and House on the Rock) as a person with a severe mental illness, I have to be watchful and careful to create stability and self-care along the way. 

While self-care is often thought of as bubble baths and yoga, self-care for me is the need to practice daily care to allow myself to be fully functional so that I can participate in the community, make a living, practice advocacy, and, quite honestly, stay out of the hospital.

For me, self-care does, in fact, include bubble baths and yoga because these activities force me to be present and grounded when my mind may be spiraling. But it also includes things that are considered “assistive technology,” such as weighted blankets, noise-canceling headphones, and using focus mode on my computer and phone.

While most people don’t know what assistive technology is or what it looks like when used for mental health or cognitive support, I thought I would share a few definitions, resources, and some of my personal tools.

Before I do, I want to give a big shout-out to my dad, who has worked in the field of assistive technology and disabilities for much of my life, and his team at Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP) (WATAP), who are doing some really cool work to pave the way for better access and education on this topic.

What is Assistive Technology?

The Iowa Department of Education defines assistive technology or “AT” as “any device that allows a person with a disability to do what they need or want to do.”

AT can fall into three categories: low-tech, mid-tech, or high-tech. In Exploring the Many Examples of Assistive Technology, Michael Halpin defines these levels as the following:

• Low-tech assistive technology, for example, includes simple, often inexpensive tools that require little to no training.

• Mid-tech assistive technology includes devices that are slightly more complex, often involving some electronic components, but still relatively easy to operate.

• High-tech assistive technology comprises sophisticated digital devices that often involve advanced electronics or computer systems. 

What is Assistive Technology for Mental Health?

Assistive technology for mental health can be tools that support concentration, memory, focus, and organization and help with mood tracking and regulation, decision-making, and more.

When many people think of assistive technology, they often think of its use for people with physical disabilities, learning and communication disorders, and hearing and vision loss. The first things that may come to mind are wheelchairs, braille, or captions.

While there has been a lot of research on assistive technology for cognitive disorders, there has been little research on mental illness and the co-occurring impact this has on our cognitive process. However, the conversation around the use of AT for people with mental illness is growing.

I have been very excited to see the progress made due to the advocacy and education from the neurodivergent community. I love to see disabled content creators sharing their tools, tips, and tricks to show ways we can make life a little easier and more manageable with our specific body and brain needs in mind.

Can assistive technology help non-disabled people?

Yes, assistive technology can help everyone!

I love sharing the concept of assistive technology with people who may not have heard of it because AT allows us to find tools like these to make everyone’s lives better. The use of AT by the non-disabled community could be described as the “curb cut effect.” Coined by Angela Glover Blackwell, Wikipedia defines the curb cut effect as:

“The curb cut effect is the phenomenon of disability-friendly features being used and appreciated by a larger group than the people they were designed for.”

The term is named the “curb cut effect” because while curb cuts were initially created to support wheelchair users, they ended up helping everyone from people pushing strollers to rollerbladers. Other examples are using captions, which can help you watch that YouTube video on the train when your headphones die, or speech-to-text when you don’t feel like typing.

My Assistive Tech Deck

While my list goes on and on, I thought I would share some of the things I use to help me as a woman with bipolar and anxiety when I am at home, traveling, or at work. I chose a variety of examples to help you think about the wide range of assistive technology you can use in your life.

If you find this list helpful, let me know by sending me a message. I am happy to create more detailed lists for each topic.

(Some of these items have links. For those that link to Amazon, please note that I am an Amazon Associate and get a small commission from sales. While it’s cool to earn some extra income, there may be better prices or small businesses you can support, so feel free to go there if you have them.)

What assistive technology do I use at home?

• Mail sorting system

  • I used to feel constant stress about my mail. It felt like an endless barrage of garbage mixed with the occasional very important envelope, like a bill or a new debit card. Creating a sorting system allows me to attend to my mail when I feel less overwhelmed while still addressing time-sensitive items.

• A three-sectioned laundry hamper 

  • This hamper allows me to pre-sort what I dry, hang dry, and dry clean. Before I figured out this system, I would (and sometimes still do) struggle for weeks to get my laundry done because sorting felt too exhausting.

• Weighted blanket

  • My blanket is beneficial when I am feeling overwhelmed and anxiety is taking hold. Sometimes, I use this when I watch TV to force a little downtime and relaxation. I also use it at night to help me sleep because nighttime is “doom” time for my brain.

• Alexa or smart speakers

  • The ability to set timers and reminders helps me immensely when my mind is not feeling its best. Many houses have an Alexa or a similar device that can provide all kinds of assistance.

• My dog Kandis 

  • While she can sometimes cause stress, Kandis is a massive source of support for me and my mental health. I have even taught her to lay on my chest when I am on the verge of or am having a panic attack and to lick me when I feel like I am dissociating.

  • Fun fact: because she is so good at helping with my mental health, we have also trained her to be a therapy dog so that she can help others.

What assistive technology do I use when I travel?

• Noise-canceling headphones

  • I like the Apple AirPods because I can keep them in my pocket if needed, and they fit my ears well. However, they can be pricey and don’t fit everyone’s ears. Finding the right noise-canceling headphones is a personal process, but having them on hand has saved me.

• Compression socks

  • These help me when I don’t have my weighted blanket, and I often put them on when I get to the hotel. You can get these at any drugstore. Just make sure you have the correct size and fit.

• Tripit

  • This helps me organize all my hotels, flights, and events into one organized space so I always know where to find confirmation codes, addresses, and times.

• Acupressure / Sensory Rings

  • Though I was first introduced to these by a rock climber when my fingers felt sore, I discovered that they were a really great and discreet tool for grounding me when I am panicking or starting to dissociate. 

(Click the image above to watch my video: How I manage bipolar and anxiety as a traveling speaker: The Hotel Edition)

What assistive technology do I use when I work?

• Computer and Phone Accessibility and Focus Tools

  • Microsoft has done a great job adding accessibility tools for mental health, such as Focus Assist, Immersive Reader, and visual adjustments, to its Windows Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Teams, etc.). Google has similar options within its suite. I also highly customize my iPhone and Mac for focus features.

• The classic sticky note

  • Though many use sticky notes, there are times when I need to stick an urgent task right in front of my nose. If something is time-sensitive and essential but my brain is bouncing from one thing to the next, I have been known to literally put the note on my computer screen. Just remember to do a weekly (or daily) sweep of non-essential notes so you don’t get buried in old reminders.

• A color-coded calendar

  • I love to color code my calendar to know what meetings are a priority, what timelines are approaching, and what tasks I need to do on a given day. While I sometimes add to-dos directly to my calendar, I also like using project management software like Trello or a good old-fashioned list in my Notes App.

What assistive technology or tools do you use? I would love to share them in future emails!

Leave a comment

Where can I learn more?

• University of Illinois Guides: Common Assistive Technologies

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder/Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD/ADD)

  • Bipolar Disorder

  • Depression

  • Eating Disorders

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  • Schizophrenia

  • Social Anxiety Disorder

• MINDapps

  • This website is designed to make finding the right mental health app simple and easy.

• One Mind PsyberGuide App Toolkits

  • While this is from 2021, I continue to find many of these apps extremely helpful.

• Accessibility for features and products you may already use:

  • Microsoft Accessibility Features

  • Amazon Accessibility Features

  • Google Accessibility Features and Products

  • Apple Accessibility

• Explore AT (Assistive Technology) 

  • Information and resources on many different assistive technologies.

• World Health Organization Assistive Technology

  • Overview of assistive tech from the global perspective

• Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP) (WATAP)

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Yesterday, I had the pleasure of giving a break-out session to a packed room of HR professionals on the importance of inclusive language in mental health.

As a bipolar woman who has experienced the harmful and painful impact of stigma first-hand, this topic is near and dear to my heart.

I recently wrote an article on the impact seemingly small changes had on my acceptance of my mental illness and why preference is essential. In yesterday's session, I was happy to share my story and expand on the importance of ongoing conversation and curiosity as language evolves (as it inevitably does.)

Here are some key takeaways, definitions, and resources to help us become more inclusive leaders who build trust and safety across our organizations and teams through inclusive language.

The Basics

What is Inclusion?

According to the Center for Creative Leadership, inclusive leadership looks like the following:

"Inclusive leaders are individuals who are aware of their own biases and actively seek out and consider different perspectives to inform their decision-making and collaborate more effectively with others.

Inclusive leadership also means that leaders commit to ensuring all team members:

• Are treated equitably,

• Feel a sense of belonging and value, and

• Have the resources and support they need to achieve their full potential."

I especially love their seven acts of Inclusive leadership:

1. Deepen your self-awareness.

2. Foster social awareness.

3. Reveal blind spots. (Personal note: I would change "blind spots" to "areas for growth" or something similar)

4. Listen to understand

5. Create connections

6. Lead with courageous vulnerability

7. Invest resources in inclusion

What is Inclusive Language?

According to Hubspot,

"Inclusive language is the words and phrases you use that avoid biases, slang, and expressions that discriminate against groups of people based on race, gender, socioeconomic status, and ability. When used, you can resonate with more audiences by speaking and writing in ways that everyone understands and makes everyone feel welcome."

At its core, inclusive language is about building trust and showing you value every person's individual experiences and preferences.

What is Ableist Language?

One of the excellent comments from yesterday's session was how often we say things we may not know have negative, harmful, or discriminatory roots or meanings.

For those who don't live with a disability or work in the field, you may not know about ableism or ableist language.

Access Living defines ableism as:

"Ableism is the discrimination of and social prejudice against people with disabilities based on the belief that typical abilities are superior. At its heart, ableism is rooted in the assumption that disabled people require 'fixing' and defines people by their disability."

While it is okay to "not know what you don't know," here are some resources to help you become a better advocate and ally and expand your understanding of the issue.

Resources on ableist language and how to avoid it (list sourced from University of Washington's Disability, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology):

Learn more about ableist language:

• ACES-The Society for Editing: Ableism in Writing and Everyday Language

• The BBC: The Harmful Ableist Language You Unknowingly Use

• Harvard Business Review: Why You Need to Stop Using These Words and Phrases

Learn more about ableism in general:

• AccessLiving: Ableism 101

• The Bernard College Center for Research on Women: No Body Is Disposable

• Invisible Disabilities Association: Looks Can Be Deceiving

• National Public Radio: People With Invisible Disabilities Fight for Understanding

Inclusive Language: The Why, What, and How

Why does it matter?

As we learned in the definitions, inclusion creates trust and feelings of value and respect. So why does a word change have so much power over our connection to one another?

One reason is that an actual neurological response is happening in our brains called "Associative Activation."  

Associative activation is when we have a visceral negative reaction to stigmatizing language. When we hear or see words, our brains quickly move through how to process the information. When we hear or see a word, an idea of the word will be formed, swiftly followed by an emotion, often leading to a reaction or action. All of this happens without us even realizing it.

Because of this very natural human process, we can have an immediate, visceral reaction to words that feel stigmatizing, discriminatory, or negatively biased. This response both helps and hurts our cause when fighting stigma.

On the one hand, associative activation perpetuates stigma. Suppose you have only heard words like "crazy" or "bipolar" in a negative or dangerous context. In that case, your body will associate those words with fear or negative emotions.

However, this also demonstrates the need to actively remove the inappropriate usage of these words in stigmatizing ways.

Associative activation demonstrates why we need to be mindful of our words. By changing our language to be more inclusive, we can change our emotional and bodily responses to diminish stigma.

What are the benefits?

Let's go back to the positives of inclusive language. Not only will we change people's physical response to misunderstood and stigmatized terms, but we will:

• Build trust

• Create feelings of value and belonging

• Minimize confusion (and save time)

• Retain employees

• Increase innovation

• Strengthen community

How do we practice inclusive language?

Inclusive Language Starter Pack (For mental health and disability)

• Understand person first and identity first

• Use plain language

• Practice digital accessibility

• Question relevance of mentioning a disability

• Check your terminology

• Honor personal preference

• Learn from mistakes, apologize, and move forward

Personal strategies

• Be curious—keep learning

• Be kind to yourself and others

• Listen more than talk

• Be courageously vulnerable

• Sit with discomfort

• Build a community of growth

Kind reminders

• Trust and psychological safety must already exist to challenge language and say what needs to be said.

• Don't expect those with lived experience to teach us how to change. Be active listeners and continuous learners.

• Be responsible for building lines of communication and trust to know if change is necessary.

• Remember power dynamics. Not everyone feels safe having these conversations. Sometimes, it has nothing to do with you as a person but everything to do with one's position within the company. 

Inclusive Language Helps Everyone

In conclusion, inclusive language builds communities of safety, creativity, compassion, and trust. Inclusive language shows that we care about one another and our shared experiences, whether in the workplace, with friends, or at home.

Inclusive language helps us remember that everyone has a story we may not know and teaches us to be more mindful and caring leaders, neighbors, and friends.

If this information has been helpful to you, please share it with your organization, team, family, or friends.

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Inclusive Language Resources

Inclusive Language

• Disability Language Style Guide | National Center On Disability And Journalism

• Communicating About People With Disabilities | National Disability Rights Network

• Choosing Words When Talking About People with Disabilities | American Psychological Association

• Inclusive Language Guide (ILG) | American Psychological Association

Digital Accessibility Tools and Best Practices

• Plain Language Checklist

• Inclusive Language Tools

• How To Enable Word Inclusive Language Checker

• Best Practices For Writing For The Accessible Web

Disability, DEI, and Intersectionality

• The Urgency Of Intersectionality | Kimberlé Crenshaw

• I'm Not Your Inspiration, Thank You Very Much | Stella Young

• The Surgeon General’s Framework For Workplace Mental Health And Well‑being

What are your favorite inclusive leadership and inclusive language resources?

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Share The Thrive Shift

Words are complex. The act of naming is so powerful that it can change our entire understanding of something. The diagnosis of bipolar and the ability to provide a name for my symptoms and experience created both a suffocating sense of doom and a profound relief. This naming, this grouping of random items into one solid thing, meant that I wasn’t just making it up.

I found that paradoxically, being diagnosed as mentally ill made me feel less crazy because it wasn’t me just “acting out” or being “sensitive.”

It was, in fact, something in my brain that I couldn’t control without knowing what it was. This diagnostic naming was a relief that I wasn’t the problem.

But it also felt like a death sentence in the linking of me with a history of suicidal manic depressives. Being a dramatic, literature-loving teenager, I immediately thought of the great, mad artists of the world who burned bright and died young.

So, I burned hard and bright. I acted out my pain and rage, knowing that I was set to be unstable now. I thought I had the ultimate gift of creativity in my unique ability to feel the world, but in the end, I knew it was not meant to last long.

Continue reading on Speaking Bipolar »

Can the way you save your files impact someone’s mental health? I say yes!

Continue reading on Venture »