Caregivers in the medical and welfare fields are highly likely to be exposed to mental health crises due to the nature of their work. They may experience 'vicarious trauma' from repeatedly encountering the suffering of others, and can suffer from emotional burnout. Experts point out that social support for caregivers, solidarity with colleagues, and improvement of the working environment are urgent, and argue for the institutionalization of support systems for their mental health. In particular, it is argued that mental health care should be recognized not as a private matter but as a social responsibility, and that the state and local governments should share responsibility.
