Empathy & Compassion Fatigue: A Challenge for NDIS Support Coordinators

Support Coordinators play a vital role in the NDIS, helping participants navigate their plans and access the right supports. However, the demanding nature of the role can lead to a phenomenon known as empathy or compassion fatigue. This occurs when the constant exposure to the challenges and struggles of others takes an emotional toll.

Acting on behalf of their clients’ best interests requires a lot responsibility and never-ending follow-up and Support Coordinators also have to rely on their emotional connection to their clients to perform their jobs. So while working in a people-focused field can be immensely rewarding and fulfilling, it can also be extremely tiring. Mental, emotional and physical strain can be common experiences amongst Support Coordinators

Understanding Empathy & Compassion Fatigue

Empathy & compassion fatigue is not a sign of weakness, but rather a natural response to the emotional demands of the job. Simply put, it’s the weariness you feel from being involved in the challenges of others for an extended amount of time. It can manifest in various ways, including:

• Emotional exhaustion: Feeling drained and overwhelmed by the emotional weight of participants’ experiences.
• Reduced empathy: Struggling to connect emotionally with participants due to overexposure to their challenges.
• Physical symptoms: Headaches, sleep disturbances, or digestive issues.
• Withdrawal: Avoiding work-related tasks or social interactions.
• Cynicism: Developing a negative or detached attitude towards participants and their needs.

Recognising the Signs of Empathy & Compassion Fatigue

It’s essential for Support Coordinators to be aware of the signs of empathy fatigue and take steps to address it before it becomes overwhelming. Here are some warning signs:

1. Feeling constantly overwhelmed or stressed.
2. Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
3. Increased irritability or impatience.
4. Loss of interest in work or hobbies.
5. Changes in sleep patterns or appetite.

Strategies for Managing Empathy & Compassion Fatigue

• Self-care: Prioritise physical and mental well-being through activities like exercise, meditation, or spending time in nature. Taking steps to reduce screen time outside of work, and getting an adequate amount of sleep every night can improve overall wellbeing and allow for a better work-life balance.
• Set boundaries: Establish healthy work-life boundaries to prevent burnout. Understanding when it is appropriate to say “no” and where to draw boundaries can help support coordinators to separate work and personal life. This can allow them to better distinguish between what is and what is not within the scope of their role at work, which also allows for more professional and ethical conduct.
• Having an adequate support network: Talk to colleagues, friends, or family about your feelings. Reaching out to a trustworthy support network can help to provide emotional and psychological support and reduce feelings of overwhelm.
• Practice mindfulness: Focus on the present moment to reduce stress and improve emotional regulation. Upon recognizing signs of stress, one can utilize a range of self-soothing methods such as deep breathing and meditation. These coping methods can assist you in focusing on the present, building self-awareness and helping one to find new perspectives to look at situations. Frequent usage of such tools can build resilience over time and make it easier to navigate challenging and stressful situations.
• Seek professional help: If empathy & compassion fatigue is severe or persistent, consider seeking support from a mental health professional.

Why is self-care crucial for Support Coordinators?

In the disability sector, there is a particularly heavy reliance on Support Coordinators to effectively advocate for their clients’ needs, ensuring that they comprehensively address all aspects of their rights and help achieve their NDIS plan goals. As their work responsibilities often have a heavy and direct impact on the livelihoods of many, the pressure of Support Coordinators can quickly build up and they may at times experience vicarious trauma as they absorb the challenges of those they support.

Therefore, practicing self-care can allow Support Coordinators to have better work focus, and reduce burnout, allowing them to carry out their job more effectively and better care for their clients, whilst also caring for themselves.

Creating a Supportive Workplace

Organisations can play a crucial role in preventing empathy & compassion fatigue by:

• Encouraging open communication: Create a safe space for employees to discuss their challenges.
• Providing resources: Offer access to mental health support services and stress management programs.
• Promoting work-life balance: Encourage employees to take breaks and prioritise self-care.
• Recognising and appreciating employees’ efforts: Celebrate achievements and provide positive reinforcement.

Remember: Empathy & compassion fatigue is a common challenge when you work within the disability and healthcare sectors, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. By implementing these strategies and fostering a supportive workplace culture, Support Coordinators can better manage their emotional well-being and continue to provide exceptional care to participants.

How can Help at Hand Support Help?

Help at Hand Support understands that the role of a Support Coordinator can be emotionally demanding and as such, recognises the importance of self-care and “support” that Support Coordinators need.

We are cognizant of the pressures they face and so our focus is on how we can partner together to make their jobs easier.

Resources:?

• Why are empathy fatigue and compassion fatigue so common?
• Lifeline – 13 11 14
• Mental Health Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team in your state/territory
• Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636.

Have questions or feedback?

If you would like to speak with someone from the Help at Hand Support team about your individual situation call us on 1300 822 190.