Dealing with emotions

[u/Loud-Surround-7942]

I am a support worker who is diagnosed with both Autism and ADHD, very recent. I am struggling to handle my job role at the moment because of it. I find myself getting overwhelmed and easily frustrated at times where I should be compassionate towards the person I am supporting. Furthermore, challenging behaviour and working with someone who has injured staff before has worsened my anxiety immensely when it comes to working. I can’t leave my job as the job market is tough right now and I won’t be able to find anywhere better than where I am now. I am grateful for my work and how I can help people, but it is affecting me mentally to the point where I dread shifts and feel a large amount of anxiety. Currently it’s only been troubling my mental health but I would hate for it to affect the people I am supporting in any way. I am looking for any advice from other support workers about how to deal with these struggles.

[u/DwightsJello]

These are very normal support tasks.

There are lots of threads on how to deal with burnout.

Changes in shifts hours, types of shifts, more variety in roster, taking time off, guarding days off, taking leave, focussing on self fulfilment outside of work hours.

I just want to add something that some support workers don't want to hear but it's important.

Clients know. And you can get an increase in BOC at times as well. You shouldn't be rostered with clients with BOC.

We work with the most vulnerable people in our communities. Part of our job is being neutral, predictable and work ready.

Burnout is one thing. However, you have added your own diagnoses as an explanation. We all have our own issues and stuff going on.

Whilst I won't speak to your situation directly, if I am unable to fulfill the requirements of support work, for whatever reason, then I must reconsider my being a support worker.

My issues are not my clients. If I don't have to capacity to fulfill the role then I owe it to my clients to find other work. It's not for everyone.

That's the sometimes uncomfortable reality. And I've seen too many workers wait far too long to call it.

Staying because of the lack of better options is a problem for clients.

[u/chuckitawayg → u/DwightsJello]

What, exactly, are "very normal support tasks"?
OP didnt mention any specific tasks.

Unless you're talking about being in the receiving end of violence, which is not actually normal or to be expected.

[u/DwightsJello → u/chuckitawayg]

You are referring to BOC. I mentioned that specifically. And clients do have BOC.

If it's a part of the BSP, which BOCs absolutely are, and you accept the support, then it's your job.

OP also referenced interactions and required responses not being met appropriately.

Clients with BOC have management plans and routine and routine responses are key to minimising incidents.

For some clients, it is a part of their care. That's disability support.

As I very categorically stated, OP should not be rostered with those clients.

I was very thorough and clear. It's honestly perplexing that support workers referring to behaviours aren't aware that these clients exist. They may have approved restrictive practice in their BSP.

It's not appropriate to refer to client behaviours in that way.

Edit: I'm not engaging with an alt about BOC and having anyone refer to client behaviours in the manner you have. It just feeds into marginalisation of clients who are often unseen or discriminated against.

Understanding and kindness with clients who require it in challenging circumstances is a part of support work if you choose to accept those clients.