You don't have to experience trauma directly to be affected by it. Witnesses—those who see violence, hear stories, or view images—carry their own wounds. Mental Health First Aid Israel addresses this often-overlooked group.
Bystander trauma can lead to intrusive memories, anxiety, and guilt ("Why didn't I do more?"). It can also be minimized: "I wasn't really there."
MHFA training validates the bystander's experience and offers strategies for processing what was witnessed—journaling, debriefing with a trained listener, limiting further exposure.
Seeing is also suffering. And it deserves care.
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