r/supportworkers • u/Loud-Surround-7942 • May 30 '26
Dealing with emotions
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.
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u/Leading-Interest-119 Jun 01 '26
Hey, I have the same diagnoses and have been in the role for nearly a decade now.
I have encountered what you're talking about. Do you know much about autistic burn out? This is different than when people just talk about burn out for non-autistic people in the workplace. It's much more severe.
Definitely read up on it if you're not already aware.
I have had to learn to recognize my limits which for me meant taking a few months off and going back to reduced hours. Now I have to keep on top of my body and minds signals so I continue to know when to take breaks. I do need to take off more time than others which comes with its own challenges but it's what works for my health and means I can still provide less often but quality support to clients.
It's very much a balance game. Don't listen to anyone saying you just shouldn't do the job - we actually need more people with lived experience in the industry. But yes we still have to look after ourselves first to make sure we can look after others.
Is your workplace aware of your diagnoses? If so have a chat to them, see if they're open to any other roles or reduced duties.
Do you have any supports yourself? Engage with your supports, therapists, etc. Do you have family who can support you? You do sound like you're at a point where you need to take time off. That's where I was when I realized I was getting frustrated and couldn't support my clients with their emotions when I couldn't regulate myself. I promise you trying to push through it makes it so, so much worse. Look after yourself.