Helping teens deal with trauma in care

Being a care worker is one of the most rewarding professions, offering the chance to make a profound difference in young people’s lives. However, those of us who work in this field understand the significant emotional challenges that come with it.

As care workers, we struggle with adequately providing support for the mental health problems of youth under their care. Research has proved that care workers are vulnerable to emotional and mental health problems, presenting high levels of stress, traumatic stress and even depression. To help you cope with the emotional toll and protect your mental health, we created this guide with practical tips and research-backed insights to help you maintain your mental well-being.

The mental health of care workers can be affected by numerous factors, the most common including long working hours and immense workload. A 2020 study published in Child and Youth Services Review found that 60% of care workers reported moderate to high levels of emotional exhaustion.

At the same time, care workers are exposed to traumatic stress. Workers deal with highly stressful situations day in and day out, and it’s cumulating. Furthermore, the need to empathise and offer support can be incredibly draining. Over time, this emotional labour can contribute to burnout, a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress and cumulative traumatic situations. 

While we are trained not to be affected by the situations we face, the reality is that these experiences inevitably take a toll on us. It’s important to recognise that even the most resilient care workers are vulnerable to the impacts of constant exposure to trauma and distress. The emotional demands of offering care, while maintaining professionalism and composure can lead to a depletion of personal resources, leaving workers feeling overwhelmed, isolated, and emotionally distant.

The effects of burnout not only affect the well-being of care workers but also impact the quality of care provided. When workers are stretched thin, they may struggle to offer the same level of empathy, attention, and support that is required. This can create a cycle where the inability to manage personal stress leads to a decline in professional performance, which in turn increases job dissatisfaction and the likelihood of turnover.

1. Set boundaries

A 2021 meta-analysis in Occupational Health Psychology found that workers who set firm boundaries had lower rates of burnout and better job satisfaction. We cannot stress enough how important it is to set boundaries between work and personal life.

Yes, it is difficult, but you need to avoid bringing work-related stress home. Start by creating end-of-day routine to decompress and make sure you use the time off effectively to recharge and focus on personal interests. Moving on we will analyse tactics you can use to ensure that you have a healthy private life.

2. Monitor your mental health

As stress is cumulating, changes in mood might not be visible immediately. However, you should monitor your mental health to detect any signs of health difficulties and address them early on. Common signs can include mood swings such as feeling irritated or down, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, avoidance of social interactions, and expressing feelings of hopelessness or helplessness.

Learning to manage intense emotions can prevent stress from escalating. You can try using grounding techniques such as the 5-4-3-2-1 method to stay present. Develop a personalised coping toolkit, such as listening to music, taking short walks, or deep breathing. Techniques like diaphragmatic breathing have been shown to lower heart rate and cortisol levels, promoting calmness.

3. Prioritise self care

Self care is not a luxury – it’s a must.  It can be something as simple as turning your phone on silently in order to relax or enjoy your favourite tea blend after a long day. Spend time to find what brings you calmness and happiness outside work. It could be something like regular physical activity such as running or dancing, it could also be spending time outdoors or practising mindfulness. 

As a care worker, it is important to create an outside work environment that offers serenity and keeps you mentally and physically strong. Developing healthy habits such as eating a balanced diet or ensuring you get adequate sleep, and prioritising staying connected to friends and family will give you the energy you need to stay resilient in your role. These habits not only improve your physical health but also help to replenish your emotional reserves. Engaging in activities that nurture your mental well-being, such as journaling, meditation, or creative hobbies, can also provide a much-needed outlet for stress and offer moments of personal joy and fulfilment.

4. Seek professional support

One of the biggest barriers to care workers accessing professional support is still the stigma associated with asking for help. Many fear being perceived as weak or incapable. It is only crucial to normalise the idea that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. 

Individual therapy or counselling sessions can provide you with a confidential space to process emotions and work through personal and professional challenges. Workshops, training, and courses focused on mental health, resilience, and trauma-informed care can also empower you with practical skills to handle the complexities of their roles. If you prefer remote or immediate access, online platforms, guides dedicated to mental health, working in care and care worker support can be a valuable tool. 

5. Build your own support system

Without professional support, it is important to have your own support system. At the end of the day, having a solid network of colleagues, friends, and family members to lean on can provide the emotional relief you need.

Cultivate relationships outside work to create a balanced social life but also seek assistance from those who know what you’re going through, can empathise with you and share their stories and how they coped with similar situations. Peer support has been proven to mitigate stress, in fact, a 2019 study by the British Association of Social Workers highlighted that workers with strong professional and personal networks were more resilient. Don’t be afraid to discuss incidents and issues with your supervisor informally. They will appreciate it and offer you their experience and insights. Remember, that we all have to cope with similar issues, and sharing those challenges can help you feel less isolated. Your supervisor or colleagues may have faced similar situations and can offer practical advice, emotional support, or coping strategies that you might not have considered. This type of open communication creates a sense of community and solidarity, which is essential for reducing stress and preventing burnout.

6. Continue training and development

Enhancing your skills and knowledge can boost confidence and reduce job-related stress. 

Continuing training and development is a cornerstone of being an effective care worker. Celebrating your efforts and progress, even when done alone, helps you stay motivated, build confidence, and reinforce your commitment to making a difference. By recognising and honouring your dedication to learning, you not only grow as a professional but also inspire others to do the same.

7. Attend workshops on trauma-informed care and de-escalation techniques.

Pursue certifications that align with your career goals. 

These investments in your professional growth not only enhance your skillset but also give you the tools to handle challenging situations with greater ease and effectiveness. Having a solid foundation of knowledge allows you to approach each situation with confidence, knowing you have strategies and techniques to draw from. This, in turn, helps reduce the anxiety that can come with the unknown or high-pressure moments in care work.

Engaging in training opportunities also keeps you connected to the larger care community, helping you stay up-to-date with the latest practices, innovations, and best practices in your field. This continuous learning can reinvigorate your passion for the work, offering a sense of purpose and accomplishment and serve as a reminder of why you chose this profession in the first place, reinforcing your commitment to the people you care for.

Moreover, as you acquire new knowledge and certifications, you increase your professional credibility, which can lead to new opportunities for advancement and specialisation. By embracing a growth mindset, you set an example for others around you, fostering a culture of learning within your workplace that benefits everyone.

Above all, remember that every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory.

8. Recognise and celebrate achievements

It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day challenges of care work and lose sight of the difference you make. Yet, taking the time to acknowledge and appreciate your hard work can help combat feelings of exhaustion or burnout. It reinforces your sense of purpose and provides a mental boost.

Care workers prioritise others’ needs over their own, and sometimes they even feel guilty of recognising their achievements, believing it’s self-indulgent. Celebrating your achievements—big or small—is a form of self-compassion and a reminder that your efforts are valuable. Acknowledging your successes, no matter how small, can counter feelings of helplessness. 

Keep a journal of positive outcomes and feedback. Observe changes, and write down how you helped a child or a teen, or their families. This reward of knowing how you positively impacted the life of a child who needed it the most is what keeps us going. This is what makes us overcome all the difficulties, overcome stress, build resilience, and keep on helping the children who need it.

Protecting your mental health as a residential care worker requires proactive measures, a strong support network, and a commitment to self-care. At JM Workforce Services, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive and empowering work environment where our staff can thrive and reach their full potential. We offer competitive salaries, continuous training and development opportunities, and a comprehensive range of benefits designed to support both your professional growth and personal well-being.

We believe that caring for others begins with taking care of our team. That’s why we prioritise mental health and emotional well-being. We understand the unique challenges of working with children from difficult backgrounds, and we are committed to providing the resources and support you need to navigate these demands with confidence and resilience. If you are dreaming of a fulfilling career,  apply today