Why self-care makes me a better Social Worker
Before starting my social work placement, I believed that becoming a good social worker meant always putting the needs of others before my own.
However, throughout my placement in a Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), I came to realise that effective social work is not only about caring for others but also about caring for ourselves. Self-care is not a sign of weakness or selfishness; it’s a professional responsibility that enables social workers to remain compassionate, make sound decisions, and provide safe, high-quality support.
During my placement, I was exposed to a range of safeguarding referrals involving neglect, domestic abuse, parental mental health, substance misuse, and concerns about children’s wellbeing. Reading these referrals and observing how experienced practitioners assessed risk gave me an understanding of the emotional demands of the profession. Although I was a student and did not hold my own caseload, I experienced the emotional impact of hearing difficult stories and recognised how easily practitioners could become overwhelmed if they did not take care of their own wellbeing.
Some days were emotionally challenging because every referral represented a child or family facing adversity. Initially, I thought feeling emotionally affected meant I was not resilient enough for social work, but through supervision and reflection, I learned that empathy is one of our greatest strengths. The important lesson was understanding how to manage those emotions in a healthy and professional way.
Reflective Supervision
One of the most valuable aspects of my placement was regular supervision with my practice educator. These sessions allowed me to discuss difficult cases, reflect on my emotional responses, and receive constructive feedback about my developing practice.
Supervision became much more than reviewing my work; it became a space where I felt supported, encouraged, and able to learn without fear of judgement. I realised that seeking guidance is not a sign of incompetence but an essential part of professional development. It helped me understand that no social worker is expected to manage the emotional demands of the profession alone.
Another important lesson I learned was the value of reflective practice. After challenging days, I spent time thinking about what I had learned, how situations had affected me, and what I could do differently in the future. Reflection helped me process my experiences instead of carrying them home with me. It also enabled me to recognise my strengths, celebrate my progress, and identify areas for further development.
Professional Boundaries
Throughout my placement, I also recognised the importance of maintaining professional boundaries. Social workers naturally want to help, and it can be tempting to think about families long after the working day has ended. However, I learned that constantly carrying the emotional weight of work is unsustainable. Setting boundaries, taking breaks during the day, finishing work whenever possible, and making time for family and personal interests all contributed to protecting my wellbeing.
Looking after my physical health became an important part of my self-care. During busy periods, it is easy to overlook basic needs such as eating well, staying hydrated, taking regular breaks, exercising, and getting enough sleep. I realised that these simple habits significantly affected my ability to concentrate, remain patient, and think critically throughout the day.
Caring for my physical wellbeing supported my emotional resilience and enabled me to engage more effectively with my learning.
Lean on Others
Teamwork also became an essential source of support. Observing experienced social workers consult each another, share ideas, and discuss safeguarding decisions reminded me that social work is built on collaboration. Knowing that colleagues are available to provide advice and reassurance reduces feelings of isolation and strengthens professional decision-making. I found confidence in asking questions, participating in discussions, and learning from the knowledge and experience of others. These interactions reinforced my belief that good social work is achieved through collective responsibility rather than individual effort alone.
On that, BASW has a professional support service dedicated to providing social workers and students with free and independent 1:1 coaching. This is another safe space whereby practitioners can seek out advice from a trained professional, talk through any issues, and be supported with their wellbeing. It’s available to all BASW members in the UK and, thanks to funding from the Scottish Government, non-members based in Scotland.
In Summary
As I prepare for a career in social work, I understand that stress will always be part of the job because we work with people experiencing crisis, trauma, and uncertainty. However, I no longer believe that resilience means ignoring stress or pretending difficult situations do not affect me. Instead, it means recognising when I need support, using supervision effectively, reflecting on my experiences, maintaining healthy boundaries, and prioritising my wellbeing alongside my professional responsibilities. My placement has shown me that self-care is not separate from good social work practice—it is central to it.
