Is young divorce 'chic' now? And living with schizophrenia with Elfy Scott
Sep 11, 2023
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Guest Elfy Scott, living with schizophrenia, discusses the misconceptions and stigma surrounding schizophrenia, different types of hallucinations and delusions, and how schizophrenia can present differently in men and women. The podcast also touches on pap smear experiences, changing perceptions of divorce in young people, and the challenges of living with complex mental health conditions.
Growing up in a household where mental health was not openly discussed can create an isolating experience for individuals who discover their loved ones have schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia can present differently in men and women, with men typically developing it at a younger age and women often experiencing it later in life tied to hormonal changes like menopause.
Schizophrenia encompasses a wide range of delusions and hallucinations, from persecutory delusions to the belief of being a Hollywood celebrity, highlighting the unique experiences and responses to treatment for each individual.
Deep dives
Growing up with a mother with schizophrenia
Elphie Scott reflects on her childhood and the realization that her mother had schizophrenia. She describes the isolating experience of discovering this on her own and the challenges of living in a household where mental health was not openly discussed. Elphie also touches on the stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding schizophrenia, highlighting the difference between media portrayals and her mother's lived experience.
Exploring schizophrenia and its presentation in men and women
Elphie discusses the general differences in the onset and severity of schizophrenia in men and women. She explains that men typically develop it at a younger age, while women may experience it later in life, often tied to hormonal changes like menopause. Elphie emphasizes that the spectrum of schizophrenia is vast, with different individuals having unique experiences and responses to treatment.
Understanding delusions and hallucinations in schizophrenia
Elphie delves into the different types of delusions and hallucinations that individuals with schizophrenia may experience. She shares her mother's persecutory delusions and how they shaped her reality. Elphie also mentions other delusions, such as the belief of being a Hollywood celebrity, and highlights the wide range of hallucinations, including visual, auditory, and tactile experiences.
The challenges of navigating mental health as a family member
Elphie reflects on how her discovery of her mother's schizophrenia impacted her and her family. She discusses the isolation and confusion she felt, as well as the difficulty in discussing it with others due to societal misconceptions. Elphie also shares her own anxiety about the genetic risk of developing psychosis and the importance of early intervention and treatment.
Misconceptions about Schizophrenia
Some common misconceptions about schizophrenia include the belief in split personality, the association with violence, and the idea that it's a life sentence with no hope of returning to a normal life.
Treatment Options for Schizophrenia
Treatment options for schizophrenia include anti-psychotic medications, which can effectively manage symptoms and make them more manageable. Some people may require hospitalization at times, but therapy can also help individuals understand and cope with delusions and hallucinations.
Producer Keeshia is in the hot seat today but Laura's been on the stirrups seat!
We kick today off with some pap chat. Click, click, click of the speculum and some 'interesting' questions of who you'd like doing your pap smear were raised.
Em Rata is wanting to brand being divorced in your 20s as 'chic.' Previously we spoke about micro marriages and with Olivia Rogers about her divorce. We unpack whether young divorce needs a rebrand and whether Em Rata is a bit too privileged to label it as "chic."
Joining the podcast today is journalist, podcaster and author of ‘the one thing we’ve never spoken about,' Elfy Scott. Elfy grew up in a household where her mum’s schizophrenia was rarely spoken about inside or outside of their home. Today we’re going to unpack the reality of what living with schizophrenia is actually like as well as the stigma that we have surrounding complex mental health conditions
We chat about:
How our understanding of what schizophrenia is is wrong
Diagnosis, misconceptions and stigma
Different types of hallucinations/delusions
Schizophrenia presenting differently in men & women
Why it's possible to have an onset of schizophrenic symptoms when you have a baby
If you'd like to grab a copy of Elfy's book you can here Follow Elfy's Instagram and check out her website If you'd like to access some helpful resources, Elfy recommended Sane
In this episode we mentioned an episode that we did on bipolar. You can find that episode here!
You can cast your vote for the Australian podcast awards here!