Why Working with Young Adults Drains You—and How to Recharge
Do you ever end a workday feeling inexplicably drained, uneasy, or fatigued?
If you work with young people—whether as a counsellor, social worker, youth worker, or educator—you’ve likely experienced this. Working in charged environments requires juggling multiple roles: building relationships, inspiring curiosity, sharing knowledge, and supporting growth.
But it also means witnessing stories of pain, loss, manipulation, and trauma. One moment you might be listening to a disclosure of abuse or helping someone navigate grief, and the next, retrieving a dropped phone from a toilet. It’s a rollercoaster of emotion, requiring you to constantly adapt and regulate your voice, body, and energy to soothe, inspire, educate, and calm.
Many of us take this in our stride—it’s just part of the job, right? But the truth is, it does take a toll. Hearing stories of suffering, grief, or abuse can never truly be normalised. Your body reacts, often subconsciously, to the stress and emotional labor. This is called secondary trauma, and without proper awareness or care, it can lead to burnout.
How Can You Protect Yourself from Burnout?
Supporting young people in difficult circumstances takes more than professional expertise—it demands emotional resources. Here’s how you can look after yourself while continuing to do the incredible work you do:
Acknowledge the Impact
Understand that supporting young people through trauma, grief, or stress requires extra processing. Even if you’re good at handling it, it’s okay to admit it’s taxing. Recognise when your own well-being needs attention and respond with self-compassion.
Pause and Breathe
Before jumping to the next task or crisis, take a moment. A simple pause to ground yourself—through a few deep breaths or a quiet moment —can reset your focus and energy.
Lean on Your Support Network
Use the resources around you: supervision, team debriefs, line managers, trusted colleagues, friends, or family. Sharing your experiences (when appropriate) can lighten the emotional load.
When you go home, leave work behind
When you leave your workplace use the transition home to emotionally step away. Take note of closing your laptop, notebook, or door of your office, knowing that you are coming back to it and it will all still be there. Remove your lanyard, change your clothes and step into home.
Advocate for Systemic Support
Reflect on whether your workplace culture supports staff well-being:
Does your organisation have policies for checking in on staff after handling disclosures?
Is counselling or supervision readily available?
Are regular well-being check-ins part of your team’s routine?
If not, advocate for changes. A supportive environment benefits not just you, but the young people you work with.
Remember: The old adage is true - you can’t pour from an empty cup. Supporting others begins with supporting yourself. Recognising the impact of secondary trauma and prioritising self-care isn’t indulgent—it’s essential. By taking small steps, you can sustain your energy and passion for the crucial work you do.
