In the background of the World Mental Health Day there are disasters, armed conflicts, pandemics, and humanitarian crises continue to disrupt lives across the globe. Yet amid the rubble, trauma, and displacement, mental health care remains one of the most overlooked and underfunded components of emergency response.
This year, the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) calls attention to the urgent need for accessible, culturally sensitive, and sustained mental health support in the wake of catastrophes and emergencies. The 2025 campaign urges governments, NGOs, and health systems to prioritize mental health as a core element of disaster preparedness and recovery.
- Millions of people worldwide were and are affected by catastrophes and emergencies.
- Nearly one-third of disaster-affected people may experience burdensome consequences in the mental health context.
- Mental health disorders caused by disasters and emergencies require special skills, knowledge and competences of professionals.
- International guidelines and reports recommend various activities, support forms and actions for providing mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) during emergencies.
Constant exposure to trauma, coupled with the pressure of providing help under extreme and challenging conditions, can place an immense burden on mental well-being of all the professionals.
Mental Health in Emergencies
Mental health challenges in emergencies are not limited to post-traumatic stress. Individuals may experience anxiety, depression, grief, substance use, and psychosocial distress – often compounded by loss of housing, income, and community support. Vulnerable populations, including children, older adults, and those with pre-existing conditions, face heightened risks.
Key facts:
- Almost all people affected by emergencies experience psychological distress, which typically improves over time.
- One in five people (22%) who have experienced war or conflict in the previous 10 years has depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.
- Emergencies significantly disrupt mental health services and reduce the availability of quality care.
- People with severe mental health conditions are especially vulnerable during emergencies and need access to mental health care and other basic needs.
World Mental Health Day 2025 is a call to action: mental health is not a luxury – it is a lifeline. As the global community faces increasingly complex emergencies, we must ensure that mental health care is available, accessible, and equitable for all.
The World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) established World Mental Health Day in 1992. It is the only annual global awareness campaign to focus attention on specific aspects of mental health and mental disorders, and is now commemorated in over 90 countries on October 10 through local, regional and national World Mental Health Day commemorative events and programs.
References
- Mental health in emergencies , WHO, access date: 09.10.25
- The World Federation for Mental Health, access date: 09.10.25
1. What are the most common mental health issues during emergencies?
People affected by emergencies often experience anxiety, depression, grief, post-traumatic stress, and psychosocial distress. Substance use and sleep problems may also occur due to displacement, loss, or uncertainty.
2. Why are mental health services disrupted during emergencies?
Crises frequently damage health infrastructure, displace professionals, and shift resources toward urgent physical needs, limiting access to essential mental health support.
3. Which groups are most vulnerable to mental health challenges in crises?
Children, older adults, people with disabilities, and individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions face heightened risks. These groups may lose access to medication, therapy, or social support networks that previously helped maintain their well-being.
4. Does psychological distress after a crisis always lead to a mental disorder?
No. Psychological distress is a normal response to abnormal events, and for most people it improves over time. However, for some, prolonged stress may develop into conditions such as depression, PTSD, or anxiety disorders, requiring professional support.
5. How can communities support mental health during emergencies?
Communities can play a crucial role by maintaining social connections, offering safe spaces for conversation, and reducing stigma around seeking help. Training community health workers in basic psychosocial support can also make care more accessible.
6. When and where is World Mental Health Day observed, and what is its message in 2025?
World Mental Health Day is observed every year on October 10 in more than 90 countries worldwide.
In 2025, it emphasizes that mental health is not a luxury – it is a lifeline, calling for accessible, equitable care for all, especially during emergencies.
