There's a saying among mental health workers: "You can't pour from an empty cup." In the months since October 7, thousands of volunteers, therapists, and community leaders have been pouring—and many are running dry.
Mental Health First Aid Israel includes training specifically for those who support others, recognizing that compassion fatigue and secondary trauma are real risks.
Symptoms include emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and a reduced sense of accomplishment. Left unchecked, these can spiral into depression or withdrawal.
MHFA Israel advocates for sustainable caregiving: regular breaks, peer supervision, clear boundaries, and access to personal therapy. The community's healers need healing, too.
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