ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the key insight for an emerging generation of contemporary mental health activists, what are calling the "mad resistance", is that the powerful way to plot that underground history is through the organizing frame of increasing democracy. It observes that mental health activists are using direct action techniques to develop on-the-ground alternative approaches to mental health care. The chapter provides examples of these alternatives which are divided into five groups: individual strategies, mutual aid and resilience strategies, alternative professional support, hybrid approaches, and advocacy approaches. "Mutual aid and resilience strategies" offer examples of organized self-help: The Audre Lorde Project, Icarus Project, and Intentional Peer Support. "Alternative professional support" provides professional examples informed by democratic principles: Narrative Psychiatry, Third Root Community Health Center, and Windhorse. "Hybrid approaches" are emergent examples of individuals with lived experience: Harriet's Apothecary, and Will Hall. "Advocacy" provides examples of organizations devoted to democratic promotion in mental health: Mad in America, and Madness Radio.
