Gaza is a dangerous environment where no one and nowhere are safe. The recent conflict has led to a significant number of casualties, including healthcare workers. The mental health staff of MSF in Gaza have reported seeing symptoms of psychological stress and exhaustion in medical professionals. These symptoms include anxiety, insomnia, depression, intrusive thoughts, emotional avoidance, and nightmares, all of which can increase the risk of mental health issues.
Davide Musardo, MSF Mental Health Activity Manager in Gaza explains that the approach to mental health support for medical professionals is different from that for patients. The support provided to staff is tailored to their experiences, focusing on psychological interventions and allowing them to express their feelings. Psychoeducation is a key component of the specialized services offered to medical professionals.
To provide urgent mental health care to medical staff, MSF is working hard but there is still much work to be done in expanding this support. However, safety remains crucial for providing psychological support and treatment. In a place where even caregivers are not safe, building resilience and coping mechanisms becomes impossible.