The WOW Factor: Participant Yuya Shares His Story

Yuya, originally from Japan, now living in Western Australia, joined a WOW Program in Perth in October 2021.

“I have an increased sense of security by making new friends that I can connect with in the surf.”

When Yuya came to Australia, he was working for his visa sponsorship in a small coastal town. Yuya experienced mental health challenges during this transition; largely due to his workplace culture. During this time, Yuya took up surfing. However, when Yuya moved out of town, he also stopped surfing. 

“Surfing was closely connected to life and work, but I walked away from surfing when I left that role and moved out of the region”.

Yuya’s challenges in the coastal town inspired him to become a registered migration agent. Four years later, Yuya is now supporting people who wish to live, work or study in Australia. 

Yuya was motivated to join the WOW program because he wanted to incorporate surfing into his life again. 

“I was motivated by the fact that it offered mental health awareness and surf lessons. I had stopped surfing for years since I had my darker days and I wanted to get back into surfing. I also liked the idea of discussing and sharing my experience of mental wellbeing with peers and fellow surfers”.

The group environment had a profound effect on Yuya. It restored a sense of trust and belonging for him. 

“There are good people around who surf, and there is no need to be afraid of others. I feel that I made new friends that I can connect with in the surf, or even when we bump into each other in the city”.

Yuya was surprised by the depth of the mental health discussions during the program. He discovered it is good to share mental health challenges with others because it helps in overcoming them.  

“Everyone has their own difficulties in life, and they may or may not show them. Sharing my own difficulties helped my own awareness of the key points. Having peers who listened to me, and having the facilitators guide me helped a lot.”

Yuya also found it beneficial to have these discussions whilst also connecting with nature. 

“The sound of the waves, the cool air and being able to breathe again. My shoulders were lighter, mind was clearer and my face didn’t look as serious or tired after the sessions”.

The completion of the program has inspired Yuya to reach out to others more. He also plans to continue surfing and get his family involved. He believes this will contribute to his happiness and allow him to smile more often.  

Interviewed by Amelia Polinelli, Perth Facilitator.

We’re all about bringing the WOW factor to mental health, so keep an eye out for these magic case studies in the future as we dive deep into what makes people tick, and the essence of their experience with WOW. If you'd like to share your story, drop us a line!