USF Sarasota-Manatee Graduate Student Elyssa Carfley Turns Adversity into Action, Inspiring Mental Health Awareness

By Brandon McLeod, USF World

Elyssa Carfley’s journey from surviving a life-threatening illness to becoming a voice for mental health reform is a testament to resilience and purpose. Now a Master’s in Social Work student at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, Carfley’s story intertwines personal trials, academic rigor, and global learning—a narrative that resonates deeply as Mental Health Awareness Month concludes. Her experiences underscore the transformative power of education and the critical need for compassionate mental health advocacy.

Carfley’s passion for social work was ignited at 17, when a therapist guided her through the aftermath of trauma and introduced her to the field’s potential for healing. “I had a therapist at 17 who really opened my mind about mental health and how it affects people who have been through significant trauma,” she recalled. This mentorship became a turning point, inspiring her to pursue psychology and later social work. Her academic path, however, faced a harrowing interruption during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In late 2020, Carfley battled a severe infection that led to hospitalization and a near-fatal diagnosis. Bedridden and grappling with a body “attacking itself,” she faced surgery with uncertain outcomes. Yet, amid this crisis, USF professors became lifelines. “The professors I was with were extremely understanding and provided me with all the materials to help me succeed that semester. One professor even went out of her way to do wellness checks with me weekly,” she shared.

This support not only preserved her academic progress but also reshaped her understanding of systemic care.

“I'm often told by many people that I should hate what happened to me, but I think in my practice it helped me to better understand how I could help others. For me that experience taught me how to set up boundaries with people, when to realize that I should take a break for myself, and that there are people out there who are more willing to help than damage. I have a more positive outlook on life itself because of that incident” she reflected. 

In 2022, Carfley’s academic journey took a transformative leap through the Clyde G. Nixon Study Abroad Endowed Scholarship, which helped fund her study abroad program: USF in London (which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year). She immersed herself in coursework exploring global approaches to mental health care. Visits to historic sites like the Bedlam Museum of the Mind—once Europe’s oldest psychiatric institution—revealed centuries of stigmatization and progress; and at Langley Green Psychiatric Hospital, she observed innovative therapies, such as art and music programs, that prioritize patient autonomy. “I learned so much about the stigma of mental health throughout centuries of history and discovered more about myself,” she said.

Beyond academia, London’s vibrance broadened her perspective. She explored neighborhoods like Camden and Shoreditch; all the classic London attractions like Sigmund Freud’s home, Big Ben, The Sherlock Holmes Museum (Carfley’s favorite), and Westminster Abbey; attended numerous theatre productions (at seven different theatres); and connected with locals such as Vanessa (“Violet”), the “Purple Girl of London”. These experiences, in and out of the classroom helped crystallize her career goal: integrating art therapy into clinical practice. “As a kid, I loved using art as a form of escapism whenever I felt stressed. I later learned that this was a coping skill used in a variety of different mediums for people of all ages,” she explained. 

At USF, Carfley found guidance in Dr. Khaliah Caines, whose course on macro social work practice emphasized addressing large-scale inequities. “Dr. KC felt more like a mentor. She incorporated real-life examples of current issues that we’re going on nationally or locally so that way we could relate to how we would be able to apply macro practice into our future careers,” Carfley noted. This training fuels her
commitment to reforming mental health systems, particularly
in prisoner reintegration and stigma reduction. 

Her action extends to campus, where she champions USF’s mental health resources, including counseling services and apps like Togetherall and TimelyCare, which offers 24/7 teletherapy.

“Mental health is extremely important. There is stress involved, and it’s always important to take care of yourself when you have the chance to,” she emphasized. 

Carfley’s post-graduation plans center on art therapy, a field she believes can bridge clinical care and creative expression. Drawing from her childhood use of art as a coping mechanism, she aims to empower others to find solace through creativity. “My overall career goal is to end up working with art therapy,” she said. “I want others to find that lifeline.”

For prospective students, her advice is to believe in yourself, don’t give in to imposter syndrome, and trust how far you’ve come. She offers candidly: “Understand that you wouldn’t be a part of the program if you weren’t qualified. Pursuing a graduate degree is a BIG commitment—but the program is extremely rewarding and intellectually stimulating.”

As the June 1 application deadline nears, Carfley’s journey stands as a testament to USF’s role in nurturing leaders who turn adversity into action. 

“Live your life to the fullest,” Carfley urges. “Try things you wouldn’t, be daring (but safe), create memories, make friends, and make the moments that you are alive count.” Her story—a blend of personal grit, academic excellence, and curiosity—challenges others to confront stigma with empathy and to prioritize mental health as both a personal and collective responsibility. 

Photography by Elyssa Carlfey