# The Awesome Power of Neurodivergence in Academia Today I want to talk about something that’s been on my mind, and maybe on yours too. Tha accompanying video to this article may just give you an inkling into why my mind has been somewhat pre-occupied with the subject. The subject under consideration here is how we label ourselves when it comes to mental health, especially in the pressure-cooker of higher education. If you've ever felt the weight of a diagnosis like ADHD or bipolar disorder, you know how easily these labels can define you, not just to others, but sometimes even to yourself. ## The Label Trap I have a saying: "Labels are for jam jars, not for people!" When you say “I have ADHD,” suddenly people seem to see you through a very particular lens. Perhaps as someone who can’t focus or is always fidgeting, alternately, someone who is hyperfocused and can't focus on anything outside their current project. Or, if it’s bipolar disorder, there might be assumptions about unpredictable mood swings. Whatever the lens, it is owned by the person who is looking through it and is their concept they are seeing, not yours. It's easy to get stuck in these boxes, and honestly, it can be tough navigating academic life when you feel like everyone already has a ready-made picture of who you are. From my personal experience, the conversation around mental health has come a long way over the past 25 years. It certainly hasn't been a linear process and there was a huge increase in awareness as a result of Covid. Additionally, there have been so many amazing podcasts, blogs, and support groups popping up, shedding light on specific conditions. It’s fantastic to see so many people sharing their stories, breaking down stigmas, and creating a community of understanding. Sometimes though, these labels can feel like they're still putting us in categories that just don't quite fit. ## A Different Way of Seeing Things: Neurodiversity So, what if we tried something different? What if, instead of focusing solely on those diagnostic labels, we embraced a concept called “neurodiversity”? When you identify as neurodivergent, you’re simply saying, “My brain works differently, and that’s actually a really good thing.” It’s about celebrating your unique ways of being creative, thinking, and solving problems, instead of just focusing on the challenges. I’ve been thinking about how using the term “neurodivergent” can change the way we talk about our experiences. Instead of saying, "I've been diagnosed with ADHD," what if you said, “I’m neurodivergent”? It shifts the conversation to how your different way of thinking can bring something special to the table, especially in higher education where diverse approaches are essential in finding knowledge gaps and critical thinking. ## Tips for Thriving in Academia If you or someone you know is juggling mental health while navigating the academic world, I’ve got a few thoughts that might be helpful: 1. **Celebrate Your Strengths:** Instead of getting bogged down by what seems tough, try to pinpoint and celebrate the things you are awesome at doing. Maybe it's out-of-the-box creativity, a knack for analysis, or a never-give-up attitude. 2. **Educate, Don't Just Label:** When you talk about being neurodivergent, use it as a chance to share insights. Help others understand that diverse thinking leads to innovation and better solutions. Help people understand that your journey can be quite different to someone else's journey. We are all individuals. 3. **Find Your Tribe:** Whether it’s online or in-person, finding communities that embrace neurodiversity can be such a game-changer. Sharing experiences and getting support is so valuable. If you have been in this very special club for a few years, you can offer help to others who may have just become new members. 4. **Know Your Boundaries:** If conversations about diagnoses get uncomfortable, remember you have the right to set boundaries that protect your narrative and ensure you're treated with respect. ## Moving Forward Together We're still on a journey of learning about mental health, and it’s important to remember that while labels have their place, they don't define who we are. Nor does any diagnosis define who you are. I have heard people say for example, "I am bipolar". I would argue that you are not bipolar and that you have bipolar. Don't be the health condition. By embracing neurodiversity, we can create an environment where our differences are celebrated, and everyone has a chance to thrive and reach fulfilment. I’ve have gone deeper into this topic in video, and I’d love for you to check it out! Let's keep this conversation going, challenge those old ideas, and celebrate all our wonderfully different minds! I would love to hear your thoughts, comments and experiences as anything shared here is public and may also help others. <div class="video-container"> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kJIt8i0S3_s?si=j1EyV9LXm_RUGJum" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div> <iframe src="https://tally.so/embed/3j55DQ?alignLeft=1&hideTitle=1&transparentBackground=1&dynamicHeight=1" width="100%" height="500" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0"> </iframe>