Medical professionals working in Gaza are experiencing psychological stress and exhaustion, according to reports from MSF’s mental health staff. The symptoms include anxiety, insomnia, depression, intrusive thoughts, emotional avoidance, and nightmares. These conditions can increase the risk of mental health issues.
MSF is providing urgent mental health care to medical staff in Gaza, but there is still much work to be done in expanding this support. 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. This is because medical staff are more aware of the impact of their work on themselves and others.
The looming offensive on Rafah adds even more stress to an already tense situation. Safety is crucial for providing psychological support and treatment, but in a place where even caregivers are not safe, building resilience and coping mechanisms becomes impossible. Gaza is a dangerous environment with no one or nowhere being safe. According to local health authorities, the recent conflict has led to a significant number of casualties including healthcare workers. Tragically five MSF colleagues have lost their lives due to this violence.