They are the quiet backbone of Israel's recovery — the mothers, spouses, adult children, and neighbors who care for the wounded, the elderly, and the emotionally scarred. They drive to medical appointments, organize medications, soothe nightmares, fill out endless forms, and carry burdens no one sees.
They are caregivers. And many are collapsing.
Mental Health First Aid Israel calls this the caregiver crisis — the growing risk of suicide and burnout among those who dedicate themselves to keeping others alive while forgetting to protect their own lives.
One MHFA participant caring for her injured husband described it simply: "Everyone asks how he's doing. No one asks how I'm doing."
That invisibility, MHFA Israel warns, can be deadly.
You might also like
Helping the Helpers: Preventing Burnout in Caregivers
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.
Caregiver SupportThe Silent Toll on Caregivers: Recognizing Secondary Trauma
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.
Caregiver SupportWhen the Heart Forgets to Rest: Understanding Compassion Fatigue in Israel's Helpers
Since October 7, Israel has seen extraordinary compassion in motion — volunteers packing food for evacuees, therapists offering free counseling, teachers comforting children through sirens.
Want to Learn More About MHFA?
MHFA training provides practical tools for supporting mental health. Join our community and become part of the change.