How to Manage Stress and Anxiety
May 22, 2025
Support Work is deeply rewarding, but it can also be emotionally and physically demanding. Care workers often face high-pressure situations, emotional challenges, and long hours, all of which can contribute to both high levels of stress and anxiety.
Managing your well-being is crucial, not just for yourself, but also for the individuals you care for. Here are some suggested strategies which you might find useful, to help you maintain balance and resilience in your role.
Recognise the signs of stress and anxiety
You can’t manage your stress if you don’t realise your stressed, so it’s essential to recognise the symptoms. Common signs of stress may include:
- Feeling overwhelmed or emotionally drained
- Having difficulty sleeping or having constant fatigue
- Irritability or mood swings
- Headaches or muscle tension
- Loss of motivation or job satisfaction
By identifying these symptoms early, you can try to take proactive steps to address them before they escalate.
Set healthy boundaries
Support work often involves forming close relationships with clients but setting emotional and physical boundaries is key to preventing burnout. Learn to define clear work and personal time and say no, when necessary, without feeling guilty. If you can, avoid overextending yourself with extra shifts or responsibilities.
Prioritise your own care
Taking care of yourself enables you to care for others effectively, so try to make time for:
- Regular exercise to relieve stress and boost energy
- Healthy eating habits to fuel your body and mind
- Adequate sleep to recharge and improve concentration
- Hobbies and leisure activities (or other things that you enjoy) to maintain a fulfilling personal life
Develop coping strategies
If you’re starting to feel overwhelmed or your stress is building, having practical techniques to handle stress in the moment is crucial. Try one or more of the following and see what works for you:
- Breathing exercises to calm the nervous system
- Mindfulness and meditation to stay present and reduce anxiety
- Journaling to process emotions and reflect on positive experiences
Look for support from your friends, family or colleagues
You don’t have to handle stress alone. Build a support network by talking to friends, family or colleagues, the latter will instantly understand your challenges. Seek guidance from supervisors or mentors if you’re comfortable doing so and of course, you can always access professional counselling or employee assistance programs.
Focus on the Positive Impact of Your Work
While support care can be challenging, it’s also incredibly fulfilling. Remind yourself:
- Of the difference you’re making in people’s lives
- Of the moments when client’s express their gratitude
- That small acts of kindness can have a significant impact
Stress and anxiety are natural in any demanding profession, but they don’t have to take over your well-being. By implementing these strategies, you can maintain a healthier balance, protect your mental health, and continue providing exceptional care.
If you’re struggling with stress, don’t hesitate to seek professional support—it’s a sign of strength, not weakness. Remember, caring for yourself is just as important as caring for others.
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Every year, social care organisations across Australia wait for one key announcement that can significantly impact their workforce budgets, service delivery models and recruitment strategies. But First, What Does SCHADS Stand For? SCHADS stands for the: Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award - If you work in disability, community services, home care or social support, you've probably heard of the SCHADS Award . It's one of Australia's largest modern awards and sets the minimum employment conditions for hundreds of thousands of workers across the social care sector. The award is overseen by the Fair Work Commission and establishes the minimum standards employers must meet when employing eligible workers. Following the Fair Work Commission's 2026 Annual Wage Review decision, a 4.75% increase to SCHADS Award wages has been confirmed, with the new rates taking effect from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. For employers across the social care sector, attention is now turning to workforce planning, compliance and budgeting for the new financial year. It covers employees working in areas such as: Disability support Community services Home care Youth services Family support Crisis accommodation Social and community programs And it's not just base pay that may change. Any increase can also impact: Weekend penalties Casual loadings Overtime rates Public holiday payments Sleepover and shift allowances Industry Insight "As a recruiter working closely with the NFP sector, I welcome the 4.75% SCHADS increase. Better pay will help attract and retain the incredible people who dedicate their careers to supporting others. But many leaders are already asking the same question: where will the additional funding come from? The success of this change won't be measured by wage growth alone, but by whether organisations are given the resources to sustain it." - Greg Forster ( Senior Recruitment Specialist | Talent Quarter, 25+ years' experience recruiting leaders across the welfare, community, disability, aged care and mental health sectors). What Does This Mean for Employers? For providers across healthcare, disability and community services, staying on top of award changes is critical. Now is the time to: ✔ Review employee classifications ✔ Check payroll systems are up to date ✔ Budget for increased labour costs ✔ Ensure compliance across your workforce Getting it wrong can create significant compliance risks. But, getting it right helps protect both your organisation and your employees. The Bottom Line The SCHADS Award isn't just about wages. It's a key part of workforce compliance, employee retention and operational planning across Australia's care sector. With the wage increase now confirmed, organisations that prepare early will be best placed to manage costs, remain compliant and continue attracting quality talent in an increasingly competitive market. Need Support Navigating Workforce Changes? Whether you're preparing for SCHADS Award updates, planning for workforce growth, or looking to strengthen your recruitment strategy, having the right people in place has never been more important. At Talent Quarter, we partner with healthcare, disability, aged care and community service organisations across Australia to help solve workforce challenges before they impact service delivery. From permanent recruitment and workforce planning to sourcing hard-to-fill talent, our team understands the unique pressures facing the care sector. If you're reviewing your workforce needs for the new financial year, we'd love to have a conversation. Get in touch with our Talent Quarter team to discuss your hiring goals, workforce challenges and talent needs.
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