Beyond the Call of Duty: the Importance of Care and Self-care in Forensic Medicine

Abstract

Forensic work involves constant exposure to experiences marked by violence, uncertainty, and pain. This exposure can lead to profound emotional exhaustion for those who operate in this field. This paper addresses the need to incorporate care and self-care practices, especially in contexts like the Mexican, which is currently facing a forensic and human rights crisis. Drawing from the experience of training forensic anthropologists at theENAH, it highlights the importance of addressing the mental health of students, faculty, and professionals, as well as the development of institutional strategies to strengthen both individual and collective well-being. The use of the field diary is proposed as both a methodological and emotional tool, and various self-care techniques are presented that can be implemented individually or collectively to ensure an ethical, humane, and sustainable practice.