Why Christmas is a bittersweet time for social workers

As Christmas approaches the pressure of work does not reduce for social workers – in fact, the complexity of the cases we carry increases and get more challenging. 

The contrast of the ‘season to be jolly’ with the realities of some people’s lives can be stark and painful and is something those of us in  frontline services feel sharply this time of year. 

Just as some people are out partying and socialising, others feel withdrawn and lonely. Homelessness is out of control and seeing people sleeping in the streets when it’s cold and raining is heartbreaking. Poverty does not make the season jolly!

We try to do our job the best we possibly can, but the revolving door of people needing our support never stops. We live in fear of making a mistake, of someone being harmed. There is always that ‘what if’ at the back of our mind. 

The duty of care we have as social workers can lead us to work overtime during the festive season. At times we feel less dedicated to own loved ones and with less duty of care towards them. 

Those of us who are parents may fear that we can't give enough to our children or be as joyful as other parents are. 

The term ‘resilient social worker’ is often used, but I sometimes wonder whether we as a profession should be described as vulnerable. It's okay to say that social workers suffer with professional anxiety due to the responsibility they hold.

Hearing carols in shops can feel hollow when your head is overloaded with so many visits and you are running out of time. The cases keep being allocated and you are typing up reports while your children try to be as quiet as they can in their own house so as not to disturb you. 

Will I pay that price later on of not being available for my own family in my own home? 

We all carry our own traumas and losses, and we share this imperfect journey. Be there for your children and for each other. Offer a smile and a hug – it could be the greatest gift someone receives. 

I am wishing for my colleagues within social work to take a moment to recognise their needs and be more forgiving of themselves. There will always be enough work, and after Christmas we will be back in the thick of it, supporting those who need our skills and help. 

But remember, we need time off to recharge and share time with our own families without feeling guilty. Open the door when you hear that knock! 

So have a good Christmas and be kind to yourself.  

Gitana Bartkiene is a senior practitioner within adults social work