The WOW Factor: Luke's Mum Mandy Shares Her Story
Luke, standing, far right, during the Noosa program
“When his mental health was at rock bottom, the only place he found any peace was in the ocean.”
Words: Mandy Beebe
Luke is my 21-year old son. Luke’s mental health problems began in 2017 when his brother suddenly died. He went into a psychotic state and was in and out of hospital for about a year. I can’t find any words to describe how bad his mental state was, and how terrifying it was for him during this time. It was so important for us to seek out support for Luke after the passing of his brother, and WOW really helped in aiding his recovery.
When Luke found out about Waves of Wellness from his occupational therapist, it seemed perfect - and it was. He would not have gone along to group therapy so willingly if it had not been part of a surf program. We live in Brisbane, and made the four hour round trip to Noosa Beach for 8 consecutive weeks for WOW’s Surfing Experience Program for young people.
Luke says that the most challenging part of the program for him was, “finding the nerve to speak to a group when the conversation first starts.” Will, one of the WOW facilitators, observed that, “In those first weeks we could see his hesitance in the group discussions, also known as WOW’s ‘expression sessions’. Luke would sit quietly, contributing in a soft voice only when encouraged, but obviously listening intently to others’ stories.”
When his mental health was at rock bottom, the only place he found any peace was in the ocean. As soon as he was out there with his board it was as if he entered a different realm.
Will said, “He picked up surfing like a duck to water. When he’d come out of the surf his face would light up, and you could see his confidence growing. “Did you see my wave?!” was a common question Luke would throw out to me while sprinting back out for his next ride with a huge smile across his face.”
Luke post-WOW session
I’ve seen huge changes in him. He absolutely loves the WOW program. I see how it lifts him each week, and he can’t wait to tell me all about it and always looks forward to it.
“I was surprised that I had such a good time. Talking in a group is so much easier on the beach.” Luke says.
“Other participants in the group were particularly struck by the insights that Luke shared with them, around mental health,” says Will, “...he was a quiet leader in the group.”
Week by week Luke was learning to trust his own voice and growing to understand he really does have something valuable to offer. “I learnt that mindfulness, respect, openness to change, positive attitude and listening to others is so important, and that being in the water really helps with mental health insights,” says Luke.
Luke absolutely loved the session when the WOW group made a raft and floated out on the water. I’m a painter and when he described how he felt to me on the way home that day, I ended up making a painting to try and depict his feelings of peacefulness.
Floating - @mandybeebeart
Luke has started playing soccer again at his local club, and has found work at a local trampoline arena. He goes to the gym, he cycles, and he gets to the beach whenever he can. He says he wants,“To try to have fun every day. My goals are to get a car, improve my soccer game, build relationships and be the best version of myself,” he says.
One of the ways the WOW team helps young people understand mental health is by sharing surf analogies. Luke says that surfing is like cleaning out the dust in his mind. He says that he can now manage his mental health: “By breathing, and finding some way to refresh the mind like surfing… Surfing is like the duster. The whole process of waiting for a wave, paddling, riding the wave.”
We are so proud of him, and hope that more young people get the chance to experience WOW’s mental health surf therapy programs.
Get Involved
Know a young person like Luke in need of a WOW program? They can register for upcoming programs on our website.
Want to help WOW provide free surf therapy programs to more young people like Luke, and improve your own mental health at the same time? Sign up to Ducktober - WOW’s cold water therapy challenge this mental health month: https://ducktober2022.raisely.com/