If you’re reading this, you’re probably someone who loves a person with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or another serious mental illness. You’re also probably exhausted, and looking for anything that helps. That’s exactly who I write this for — because I’ve been there too.
Here’s what happened in mental health technology this week — and why it matters to your family.
Someone’s finally watching out for us.
If your loved one has ever used an AI chatbot for emotional support, you may have noticed some of them sound remarkably like a real therapist. That’s not an accident — and it’s a problem. This week, the American Medical Association told Congress it’s time to regulate these tools and stop them from pretending to be something they’re not. For care partners, this matters because your loved one may not always be able to tell the difference. Knowing that oversight is coming — and knowing what to watch for in the meantime — keeps you one step ahead. Read more →
“Will they actually wear it?” — turns out, yes.
One of the most common things I hear from care partners is: “I looked into a wearable monitor, but I didn’t think they’d ever keep it on.” A new study specifically looked at this question — and found that people with serious mental illness are more willing to use wearable devices than most of us assume, as long as they’re introduced thoughtfully. That changes the conversation. If you’ve been hesitant to bring it up with your loved one or their care team, this might be the nudge you needed. Read more →
AI that actually helps — and now there’s proof.
We hear a lot of hype about AI in mental health. This week, something more valuable: actual evidence. A rigorous clinical trial found that a conversational AI app produced real reductions in psychiatric symptoms — and that users formed a genuine connection with it over time. This isn’t about replacing your loved one’s therapist. It’s about what happens in the days and hours between appointments, when you can’t always be there and the next session is still a week away. That gap is real, and tools like this are starting to fill it. Read more →
Found this helpful? Forward it to another care partner who could use it. They’ll be glad you did.
And to stay on top of technology trends for our community, follow me on my website: www.ResourcesforSMI.com.
— Nicole xx
