The pandemic attributed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus has been responsible since 2019 for the extreme strains put on health and social assistance services across the globe. While factors such as the contagiousness of the virus, the lack of immunity in the general population and the uncertain trajectory of the pandemic contribute to the rise of general anxiety among these professionals, the morbidity and mortality attributed to the virus, the scarcity of material and personnel resources are at high risk of leading to their exhaustion, both physically and mentally. The admirable surge of solidarity, resilience and self-sacrifice shown on a daily basis by these professionals and many others should not obscure the awareness of the mental «cost» of caring.