After the Black Sabbath massacre, it was estimated that more than 30% of the Jewish population suffered from post-traumatic symptoms in the first few months. This not only affected those who directly experienced the events and the evacuation of settlements, but also those who were exposed to the events indirectly. Caregivers in the first circle of treating trauma victims also experienced the consequences of the disaster along with the victims, leading to stress, burnout, and emotional exhaustion.
Prof. Nadav Davidovich emphasizes the importance of addressing the secondary trauma experienced by care teams who are among the affected communities. These professionals face a double exposure, caring for victims of disasters while dealing with personal losses and challenges. Organizations must prioritize the mental health and well-being of their employees, especially during difficult times when systems are under strain.
It is crucial to support and protect caregivers to prevent burnout and ensure they can continue providing care effectively. The focus should be on creating a supportive environment that allows caregivers to balance professionalism with empathy and emotional detachment. By addressing the secondary trauma experienced by care teams, organizations can better support their employees and prevent long-term negative impacts on their well-being. The document recommends strategies for developing personal coping abilities among caregivers, including self-awareness, balancing emotions with detachment, creating safe spaces within organizations, and managing occupational safety and health risks.
Care teams who have been part of affected communities face unique challenges that require special attention from employers. They may struggle with feelings of guilt or responsibility for what happened or feel overwhelmed by a sense of loss or grief. Employers must provide resources such as therapy sessions or support groups for these workers to process their experiences.
The Black Sabbath massacre highlighted how important it is to prioritize mental health in response to traumatic events. Caregivers play a vital role in supporting victims’ recovery but also need protection themselves from secondary trauma that can lead to burnout or even PTSD symptoms.
In conclusion, addressing secondary trauma among care teams is crucial for maintaining high levels of productivity in healthcare settings during challenging times. Organizations must prioritize employee well-being by implementing effective strategies such as developing personal coping skills among caregivers and providing resources like therapy sessions or support groups for those affected by traumatic events.
