Mad Studies, Mad Affirming and Anti-Sanist Practice in Critical Social Work Theory and Practice

Mad studies is an interdisciplinary field that critically examines mental health from the perspective of those labeled as "mad" or mental ill-health. It challenges traditional psychiatric narratives by emphasizing the lived experiences and voices of people with mental health differences. Mad affirming practice in critical social work seeks to validate and empower individuals by recognizing the value of their unique experiences and identities, promoting an anti-oppressive/sanist framework that supports self-determination and autonomy through challenging sanism. Anti-sanist practice is crucial for addressing discrimination and stigma, also known as sanism and/or mentalism, associated with mental health diagnoses and the system. It advocates for the dismantling of structural inequalities that marginalize individuals based on mental health status and ‘sanity and/or normality’. Together, these approaches offer a transformative lens for critical social work, encouraging practitioners to critically engage with power dynamics and advocate for systemic change and re-politicise the political roots of critical social work to address the profession's oppressive power and practice in mental health. By embracing mad studies, critical social workers can foster more inclusive, just, and equitable practices that respect and uplift the diverse realities of all individuals and hold space for madness as a human diversity.