Is it OK to use 'mad' words?

Aim
To promote individual critical reflection on whether the use of slang words for ‘madness’ in everyday language are acceptable.

Background
In 1993, the survivor movement led a campaign to rid society of words that perpetuated stigma toward people with mental illness, words such as ‘mad’ ‘crazy’ and ‘nuts’ (Glaser 2008). Nevertheless even now these stigmatising words and attitudes remain ubiquitous in everyday language, including amongst mental health professionals (Ozer et al 2017; Sreeram et al 2022). Efforts to challenge ‘mad’ language have become overwhelming as the words are heard on TV, social media, personal and professional conversations everyday.
Method
A literature search in the databases PsycInfo, cinahl, social sciences research, psychological and behavioural science collection, using key words ‘language’ or ‘slang’ or ‘colloquialism*’ combined with ‘mental’ was not specific or sensitive enough to complete usable results. Therefore, general google searches and occasional hits found in the database searches that included specific reference to ‘mad’ words were collected. In addition, a brainstorm/thought shower of colloquial English language words for ‘madness’ known to us (two authors) was conducted. The online dictionary Meriam webster was also searched.
Findings
Ten papers have been identified so far. 77 words were identified from the brainstorm. Online dictionaries tended to list formal words rather than colloquialisms so did not add anything further.
Discussion
The use of ‘mad’ words affects feelings and enables stigmatising environments to flourish and should be avoided (Samson et al 2024). It can create shame and a barrier to disclosure of mental illness between individuals (Ozer et al 2017). The NMC code (2015) clearly sets out the commitment we should have to maintaining respect, dignity and public trust. By using ‘mental’ words, are we not contributing to marginalising those who want to be able to talk openly about their mental health problems and perpetuating stigma?.
Conclusion
We should do more to promote the ability for people to talk openly, not shut down their chance to share this for fear of judgement, that problems like theirs are really just something to refer to in jokey banter or to communicate extremes in informal unrelated contexts.