News

The Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) is proud to partner with the Benevolent Society, supporting the Rural Youth Mental Health (RYMH) program. This program provides positive support for vulnerable young people and their families and carers, through its early intervention mental health services.

Early intervention supports vulnerable people to manage issues before they reach a crisis point. The RYMH has shared a case study of a 15-year-old First Nations young person who was referred into the program in 2023.

The context

The Young person presented with low self-esteem, a trauma history from family violence, marijuana use to manage anxiety, poor emotional regulation, feelings of worry, stress and overwhelm, and difficulty concentrating on school commitments.

The Young person lives at home with his Mum and siblings. His parents separated following domestic violence impacted by his father’s substance use.

The Young person had good school attendance, a positive group and enjoyed playing sport both with school and in the community. He was deeply connected to his culture, being part of the local Wiradjri dance group until bullying saw him leave the group.

Youth-led goals and outcomes

The young person received 11 episodes of support following a referral into the program by his teacher.

The young person’s goal was to learn to manage his emotions and draw on positive coping strategies. He was open to exploring and learning more about how his early childhood may have impacted on his neurological and emotional development.

The RYMH Mental Health Practitioner worked with the young person on increasing coping and self-regulation skills. This involved looking at social connections, improving empathy, increasing self-efficacy, and individualised support for PTSD and complex trauma.

The young person made impressive changes to his mindset and behaviours. His family’s pride in their First Nations culture helped him to create his own positive habits around connection to culture and feeling more a part of a community.

He ceased his THC use by cutting ties with old associates and began spending more time with friends who were like-minded and had a positive influence on him. Over time, he was able to acknowledge the increase in positive reinforcement from adults in his life. He reported an increasing motivation to process and move away from the trauma and emotional neglect he has experienced due to significant DV experienced at a young age.

“My relationship with my mother has improved and I feel more connected to her.

“I am very interested in pursuing a career in Rugby League. I am also interested in becoming a Youth Worker to influence outcomes for young First Nations people,” he said.