When a parent becomes a full-time caretaker of a wounded soldier, or a teacher absorbs the grief of a classroom, trauma doesn't stay in one place—it spreads. Mental Health First Aid Israel calls this secondary trauma—the emotional toll on those who care for trauma survivors.
Symptoms mirror direct trauma: intrusive memories, emotional numbing, hypervigilance, sleep disruption. Caregivers may not recognize their own distress because they're focused outward.
MHFA Israel teaches caregivers to check in with themselves: "How am I doing?" becomes as important as "How can I help?"
Self-care is not selfish. It's sustainable compassion.
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