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With a response rate of 94.4%, themes listed by respondents during the interviews were concern for children (47.1%), frustration with the inability to eat and share homegrown or local vegetables (55.9%), and having sleep difficulties (44.1%). We found 58.8% of respondents to have signs of emotional exhaustion, 14.7% with depersonalization, 94.11% with low or medium personal accomplishment, and 55.9% with evidence of psychological distress. Comparing year-old GHQ12 scores done at the same sites, the score remained unchanged (4.63 vs. 4.24; P ¼ 0.74). Summary/Conclusion: Local caregiver mental health has not improved even 2 years after the disaster, and many are showing signs of burning out. Over half are emotionally exhausted and in psychological distress, experiencing symptoms themselves, and burdened with concerns, which strongly suggest that conditions are not improving. Radiation problems have worsened the stress, anxiety, workload, and recovery process of the caregivers, provoking higher burnout rates. Long-term psychological support and improvement in caregiver work conditions are essential to maintain sustainable care in rebuilding disaster-stricken areas in Fukushima.

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