The right support makes all the difference to recovery

When you read a compliment from a customer that says – “It is not just what Kimberley has done, it is the way she has conducted herself that has touched me deeply” – then you know it’s been an extraordinary experience.

Youth Support Worker Steve Coleman suffered high burnout over a protracted period when working in the youth sector dealing with complex, trauma-based behaviours in young people. He was fortunate to have WorkCover Queensland Customer Advisor Kimberley Russell guide him in his recovery journey.

Steve felt totally drained, both physically and mentally and was diagnosed with anxiety and depression.

Steve, 58, said he felt useless, and recovery was a slow process for him as he sought professional help for anxiety and depression from several avenues, including counselling support, meditation, and a psychiatrist.

“I was devastated at the time and felt totally drained, both physically and mentally,” Steven said. His confidence was at an all-time low.

Kimberley recalls that it was important for him to be mentally and emotionally stable so he could look after the troubled youths in his role.

“We had a discussion with an occupational therapist, his GP, his psychologist, and decided it was best that we rehabilitate him mentally – his mental health comes first – before we even consider returning him to work.

“Steve was very proactive during his time off. He loves his career, his job and what he does. He used this time to upskill himself, did some training modules, and worked with a peer who was supportive of him.

He achieved a Diploma of Community Services and went on to find a new and incredibly rewarding role.

“He’s in heaven – he’s still doing the same kind of job, but in an environment that’s better suited to him, and is utilising his upgraded skills. He’s been promoted already to team leader after just a couple of months,” said Kimberley.

What did Kimberley do that touched Steve so deeply?

“Sometimes people need to be heard and need some space. That’s what I identified with Steve,” she said.

Sensing he was traumatised, wasn’t coping, and finding lots of things exasperating, Kimberley adapted her approach to better meet Steven’s needs. Putting herself in his shoes, she listened, showed empathy and acknowledged what he was going through.

When reflecting on Steve’s claim, Kimberley had this to share:

“I felt I’ve contributed to him so much and made his journey so much easier.

“He’s good to talk to, he’s very upbeat, he’s easy to work with as a person. That made everything flow much easier and he was determined to be back at work. The relationship worked really well.

“My manner to him was warmth and support, rather than being hard and focused on return to work,” she said.

With our end goal being return to work, we focussed on his mental health and recovery first and foremost.

Steve looks back on his experience while recovering and says: “Kimberley placed a human footprint on a faceless encounter. Although we had never met [until we brought them together for this story], she has helped me totally change my life.

“Without that total support I cannot comment on where I would be now. I like to think I'm not your average "Joe" and have lived a demanding life both physically and mentally which may leave scars on anyone.

“Every time we spoke Kimberley engaged, empathised and worked tirelessly towards a positive outcome. At no point did I lose confidence in her ability to aid me on my journey,” Steve said.

“It is not just what Kimberley has done, it is the way she has conducted herself that has touched me deeply.”

This collaboration, teamwork and support enabled and empowered Steve to realise his goals. Kimberley is delighted knowing that she supported Steven in his recovery as he achieved these goals.

We are grateful to Steve for sharing his story, and we are delighted to have brought Steve together with Kimberley to meet face to face.