When Jessie* first visited YES Adelaide, like many, they were feeling quite overwhelmed.

For Jessie, the experience of leaving the comfort and safety of their home, and travelling into the city, was a big one.

Experiencing both social and health-related anxiety, Jessie struggled with leaving the house and had become quite socially isolated. However, with support from family, Jessie had made a very big step in choosing to visit our YES Adelaide team.

At just 19* years of age, Jessie had been dealt a rough hand, dealing with chronic pain, urinary incontinence, suspected autism, and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).

All of this significantly impacting day-to-day life, it was a lot for anyone to deal with.

Led by Jessie, the team were able to support with a combination of integrated support and therapeutic interventions including, trauma-informed Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and teaching Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills.

Throughout this support, although not always easy, Jessie remained determined.

Jessie’s progress following this support has been incredible.

Previously only feeling comfortable with online relationships, Jessie now maintains a healthy in-person relationship with regular interactions. More confident in social situations, Jessie now chooses to attend local community groups and activities, and has started to make new friends.

Feeling more confident and always having a love for animals, Jessie decided to start volunteering at a doggy daycare centre, and now plans to secure employment in the industry.

Identifying as transgender, Jessie had struggled to find the best support for them in their journey. Through the support from our YES Adelaide team, Jessie was able to find a GP they are comfortable with, who understands and is also sensitive to their health-related anxiety and needle phobia.

Through support from their GP, Jessie has now found an endocrinologist for gender-affirming hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and also a dietician who specialises in ARFID. With this support Jessie is now exploring new food experiences. Funded by YES Adelaide, Jessie has an upcoming autism assessment, which will clarify treatment options for them.

With continued progress by Jessie, and family involvement in therapy, the team can’t wait to see what great things are in store for Jessie.

*Names and ages have been changed

About YES Adelaide:

Youturn’s Youth Enhanced Service (YES) is here to assist young people aged 12-25 years with moderate to high mental health care needs. The YES program has a team of clinicians and healthcare professionals who provide psychological support and other care as needed. These services are currently available through Youturn in Darling Downs and West Moreton and in the Adelaide metropolitan region.

The YES program is supported by funding from Adelaide PHN through the Australian Government’s PHN Program.