How words can change the world
Pathologizing language has shaped the conversation surrounding mental distress for decades. Notice how concepts like mental illness, mental disorders, and treatments have become common-tongue. This does, however, leave room for those of us who oppose pathologization to reclaim power through words. A single verbal protest is seldom noticed. But thousands of clamoring voices who spread new concepts to tens of thousands more? That has the power to change everything.
On this page you can:
- Learn how we’re working to reshape and redefine the public conversation in Denmark and abroad
- Discover the power of the concept nonpathologization
- Learn how you can participate in a bottom-up lingustic paradigm shift away from pathologization of mental distress
Reshaping language: A case study in the power of discourse
Learn how we pushed the boundaries of both theory and practice with the magical word nonpathologizing
- First the word ‘nonpathologizing’ was coined and pushed forward with deliberate effort
- By defining the concept as something it is not (pathologizing), we empowered pracitioners to add nuances to discussions on mental distress and diversity.
- The concept has been succesfully integrated into Danish discourse over that past couple of years
- A non-pathologizing professional network of psychologists are currently working to formulate professional standards for nonpathologizing psychology within the Danish Psychology Union.
Participating in a bottom-up revolution
While few of us have the systemic influence and reach that psychiatrists and other professionals enjoy, we do have the ability to change how distress is discussed and reflected on. By embracing new vocabulary, you help foster new ideas.
Activism in action
Below you’ll find examples of how we approach linguistic activism that advances depsychiatrized perspectives om mental distress and diversity
10 minutes of revolution: A speech
Watch founder Jonas Vennike Ditlevsen deliver a 10-minute passionated speech on the need for a paradigm shift away from pathology.
Depsychiatrization: Dispelling harmful, diagnostical self-concepts in therapy and community health work
The post that launched the Depsychiatrization anthology project. Originally featured via Mad in America on June 3rd, 2025.
The core error of psychiatrists and psychologists: Certainty about “Consensus Reality”
Learn about the concept “concensus reality” and how it relates to depsychiatrization through this formidable article written by Depsychiatrization contributor Bruce Levine via Mad in America.