Page 168 - EMCAPP-Journal No. 14

„...humanitarian work is, after all, a celebration of life, not homage to death and despair.“ Fawcett
(2003, page 1)

It has been an honor and inspiration to work in the humanitarian sector, meeting and supporting such
a variety of dedicated and compassionate people. In the most difficult contexts they bear witness, sow
seeds of hope, and give dignity to those who struggle, while they themselves may be facing similar ad-
versity and challenges just like the people they are helping. We are also mindful of our own limitations
and vulnerabilities-–our breakable humanity—in the face of unspeakable tragedy and injustice and
the ongoing, cumulative grind of “engaging in humanity care.” Nonetheless, we consider ourselves
blessed to follow and serve Jesus in this way as mental health professionals (John 12:26)!

Notes
1. This article includes materials and perspectives from these primary sources:
--O’Donnell, K. (October 2017). Unbreakable? Recognizing humanitarian stress and trauma. Global
Geneva, Issue 3, 56-57 (hard copy and online pp. 60-61).
--O’Donnell, K, and Pidcoke, H. (2017). Module One: Introduction to stress, resilience, and self-care.
In Farrell, D., with Blenkinsop, C., Carriere, R., Croci, C., O’Donnell, K., and Pidcoke, H. Confronting
Stress and Trauma: A Resource Kit for Personnel Dealing with Violent Conflicts and Natural Disa-
sters; University of Worcester in association with UNITAR, Geneva.
--International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (2009).
Managing Stress on the Field, 4 ed.
th

2. Disclaimer.
The responsibility for the interpretation and use of the material in this article lies with the reader. In
no event shall the authors or the publisher be held liable for damages arising from its use.

REFERENCES AND RESOURCES
Agenda for Humanity. (2019). Sustaining the Ambition: Delivering Change. Annual Synthesis Report
2019. United Nations.
ALNAP. (2019). State of the Humanitarian System 2018. Overseas Development Institute.
Antares Foundation. (2012, 3 ed.). Managing Stress in Humanitarian Workers: Guidelines for Good Practice.
rd
Arès, P. (2002). Watching for the signals. In Danieli, Y. (Ed.). Sharing the front line and the back hills: International protec-
tors and providers—peacekeepers, humanitarian aid workers, and the media in the midst of crisis (pages 115-120). New
York USA: Baywood.
Carlson, E.B. & Putnam, F.W. (1993). An update on the Dissociative Experience Scale. Dissociation 6(1), 16-27.
Carter, J. (1999). Missionary stressors and implications for care. Journal of Psychology and Theology, (27)2, 171-180.
Cochetel, V. (2014). Attacks on humanitarians are attacks on humanity (video). Geneva Peace Talks.
Core Humanitarian Standard Alliance. (2013). Core Humanitarian Standard--Quality and Accountability.
Eriksson, C., Bjorck, J., & Abernethy, A. (2003) Occupational stress, trauma and adjustment in expatriate humanitarian
workers. In Fawcett, J. Stress and trauma handbook: Strategies for thriving in demanding environments (pages 68-100).
Monrovia, CA USA: World Vision.
Fawcett, J. (2002). Care and support of local staff. In O’Donnell, K. (Ed.). Doing member care well. Pasadena, CA USA:
William Carey.
Fawcett, J. (2003). Stress and trauma handbook: Strategies for flourishing in demanding environments. Monrovia, CA
USA: World Vision World Vision.
Headington Institute. (Resources for humanitarian workers such as assessment inventories for self-care and burnout and
training modules for resilience, stress and burnout, trauma, families, spiritual vitality.)
Hill, M., Hill, H., Baggé, R., & Miersma, P. (2016). Healing the wounds of trauma: How the church can help. American
Bible Society.
International Committee of the Red Cross. (2018). Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support.
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. (2001). Psychological Support: Best Practices from Red
Cross and Red Crescent Programmes.

166