Self – Care is Very Important for Carers, Friends and Support Workers
It is very important for carers, friends or support workers to get their own support to safeguard their health and mental health in the caring role.
Supporting a person with an intellectual disability who has been a victim of crime can be a distressing and draining experience. It can also be a trigger for people’s own history, bringing up unwanted memories and feelings.
Carers can access practical and/or therapeutic support through Carers Queensland, or elsewhere.
Counselling can:
- Assist with stress management
- Provide you with coping skills and strategies
- Give you practical problem-solving techniques
- Help you deal with bereavement and loss issues
Carers Queensland have experience providing counselling and support to carers, as well as a range of practical supports and services including:
- Education and Training
- Carers payments and financial support
- Carers support groups
- Family Support and Advocacy
- Respite referrals
Carers Advisory Line: 1800 242 636, or web http://carersqld.asn.au
Unpaid or Paid Support Workers
If you are in a paid role (like a support worker), it is also important that you get support from your organisation. Debrief with your supervisor or colleagues (where appropriate) following distressing events.
If when supporting someone who has experienced a trauma you begin to experience symptoms for an extended period of time such as invasive distressing thoughts about your client, deteriorated sleep or eating habits, or emotional distress, seek support from your supervisor or seek counselling for yourself – Lifeline 13 11 14.
Paid or unpaid, we can only be helpful supports if we look after ourselves.