Changing the Narrative on Schizophrenia with Elfy Scott
May 23, 2025
May 24th marks World Schizophrenia Awareness Day - an internationally recognised day that encourages us to raise awareness and help eliminate the stigma surrounding the condition. Schizophrenia affects around 20 million people worldwide, however despite its prevalence, harmful misconceptions persist. These myths not only fuel stigma but can also discourage people living with schizophrenia from seeking support.
One of the most powerful ways we can support those affected is by educating ourselves, being mindful of the language we use, and listening to the lived experiences of individuals living with schizophrenia - or those who care for someone who does, like Elfy Scott.
Elfy is an award-winning freelance journalist, presenter, and producer. In 2023, she published her debut book, The One Thing We’ve Never Spoken About, which explores the experiences of Australians living with complex mental health conditions and the ongoing stigma surrounding them - including Elfy’s own lived experience navigating life with her mum, who lives with schizophrenia.
We asked Elfy to share more about her experience, why she decided to tell her story, and what she hopes to see when it comes to reducing stigma around the condition.
Q: What inspired you to share your family's experience with schizophrenia so openly?
A: I saw a world where the destigmatisation of so many physical and mental health conditions was becoming a priority and saw a widening rift between those movements and how schizophrenia and other complex mental health conditions were being left behind. I thought it was important to speak about my family's experience to open the door on sharing those perspectives and help to bring empathy to a whole group of people and their loved ones who were missing out on it from broader society.
Q: What do you wish more people understood about schizophrenia?
A: I wish people understood more how wide the spectrum of experience with schizophrenia can be. I wish people understood the wholeness of people who live with this mental health condition as humans. I wish people understood the challenges their families and loved ones face. And I wish people understood just how much our mental health care system needs to change to accommodate people with complex needs.
Q: In your book, you highlighted the importance of language – why do you think shifting the way we talk about complex mental health conditions matters so much?
A: We all know language is incredibly powerful. When it comes to complex mental health conditions, the language we use so often tends to shame, conceal, alienate and abdicate societal responsibility. I think altering our language and altering our mindsets come hand-in-hand.
Q: What role do you think storytelling plays in reducing stigma around complex mental health conditions like schizophrenia?
A: I think storytelling is incredibly important. I totally recognise the immense privilege I had in being able to share my story and what I wanted to do was help to open the gate for others to do the same. Storytelling is fundamental to the process of destigmatisation and while I won't suggest that everybody can or should share their personal stories with the world, those that are able should know just how meaningful and powerful it can be.
Q: Looking back, what message would you want to give your younger self about navigating life with a loved one experiencing a complex mental health condition?
A: I would tell her that there are SO many other families and people out there who are living with the same experiences – and I think that she'd find a lot of comfort in that.
By listening to stories like Elfy’s, we’re reminded of the power of empathy, understanding, and open conversation. Schizophrenia is often misunderstood, but through awareness and storytelling, we can challenge harmful myths and support those living with complex mental health conditions.
Our good friends at SANE Australia specialise in complex mental ill-health conditions including schizophrenia.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis and is in immediate danger of harming themselves or others, call 000. You can find a comprehensive list of mental health support services here.