How Is Wollongong’s Waves Of Wellness Providing Mental Health Support Through Surfing Therapy?


As the sun rises on a chilly Wollongong morning, a group of about 20 people gather for the Waves of Wellness (WOW) program, each with their own unique story to tell. They start by forming a circle and sharing what's on their mind, without judgement.  One participant who is a paramedic said that after 16 years in the industry, “the wheels fell off” from the effects of accumulated trauma. He went from saving lives for a living to needing to save his own, after a recent PTSD diagnosis. He joined WOW to face his troubles, while learning a new skill that pushed him mentally and physically. What are your thoughts LiveTribers? How is Wollongong’s Waves of Wellness providing mental health support through surfing therapy?

Posted by on 08 Jan 2024

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  • [0] [1]
    Raelene

    Any psychosocial activities that are beneficial to a person suffering from should be encouraged, Undertaking this activity within a group of people who have lived experience is to be applauded well done for this wonderful initiative.

    Posted by Raelene on 28 Jan 2024
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  • [0] [0]
    MS

    I think a lot of so called depression is self inflicted. These people usually never have to go through hard times. Those who got bothered by the Covid outbreak were the least likely to die from it. I think we should save out pity for people that really need it, and not those who cannot cope with a bit of stress. If you cannot get through something like Covid then what else would you not be able to cope with?

    Posted by MS on 11 Jan 2024
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  • [0] [1]
    Raelene

    I do think the above comment is a bit harsh regarding people suffering from depression. Yes they do suffer as do those around the trying to understand the changes this dreadful illness causes. They do not need pity but compassion and understanding. Any psychosocial activities that are beneficial should be encouraged and undertaking this activity within a group of people who have lived experience is to be applauded well done for this wonderful initiative

    Posted by Raelene on 28 Jan 2024
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  • [0] [0]
    MS

    There are many people that also make out they have it to get sympathy.

    Posted by MS on 22 Feb 2024
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  • [0] [1]
    tassiegirl

    The more support for mental health the better. During the pandemic, the rate of depression doubled and many more people were affected. Some people were affected for the first time. It is normally 20% of mothers that suffer postnatal depression. During the pandemic, 40% of mothers suffered postnatal depression. This was caused by limited access to family and friends and less maternal nurse visits. Normally 50% of people will suffer mental health during the life (eg depression, anxiety, bi polar, PTSD). I believe that the new rate is now 70 to 80% of all the population will suffer mental illness during their lives.

    Posted by tassiegirl on 11 Jan 2024
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  • [0] [1]
    Raelene

    I agree with more support for mental health. A GP is often the very first port of call but due to the difficulties obtaining an appointment, the limited time for a consult and the cost of the appointment the symptoms of those suffering from depression have often worsened by the time they do receive the help and intensive support that is required. for treatment.

    Posted by Raelene on 28 Jan 2024
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  • [0] [0]
    MS

    You believe everything you read it seems. I think a lot of it's not real mental illness. Much of this is just poor coping abilities, and that is not really true...depression, nor mental illness. Why would we have so much of it in the last twenty or thirty years? It's just a label and many want to use that as an excuse nowadays to not take responsibility for themselves. I think that's really sad!

    Posted by MS on 11 Jan 2024
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  • [1] [0]
    ere

    Don't know and don't care. I've never seen so many stupid topics on a forum before. How about something interesting and from the real world for a change?

    Posted by ere on 09 Jan 2024
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  • [2] [0]
    Paula

    I have never heard of Wollongong's Waves of Wellness.

    Posted by Paula on 08 Jan 2024
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  • [0] [0]
    MS

    How would I know? I don't live in Wollongong. They have had variations of these sorts of groups over the years, in one form or another. It might be effective for some and others not so. I don't think I'd like it... if I was in their shoes . Some people are private and don't wish to discuss their mental troubles around a bunch of strangers.

    Posted by MS on 08 Jan 2024
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