Published: 9 June 2025
Media correspondent Amanda Meade reports on the backlash following an SBS Insight episode about myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Participants and advocacy groups, including Emerge Australia, have criticized the program for presenting a potentially harmful and unscientific narrative.
The episode prominently featured an individual claiming to have cured herself of ME/CFS and rheumatoid arthritis through personal mindset and by “listening to her body,” a claim not supported by medical evidence. Critics argue that this portrayal undermines scientific research and the lived experiences of those with ME/CFS, contributing to further stigmatization and misunderstanding of the condition.
SBS has stated that the episode aimed to present diverse perspectives and is reviewing the feedback received.
Emerge Australia’s CEO Anne Wilson is quoted in the article:
“Scientific evidence states that there is no recovery from rheumatoid arthritis and less than 10% of people with ME/CFS return to pre-illness functioning,”
“Of further concern, this person claimed their recovery was due to attitude alone, implying that recovery is a choice or can be achieved through effort alone. There are no proven treatments for ME/CFS and there is no cure. The small number who recover are the lucky few.”
“We were pleased the program chose to feature the often-overlooked challenges of living with invisible illnesses such as ME/CFS, long Covid, fibromyalgia and similar conditions. We were, however, extremely disappointed by the unbalanced narrative portrayed in the episode. Ironically, the episode accurately reflected the gaslighting experienced by many living with invisible illnesses.”
