World Mental Health Day

A commemoration of World Mental Health Day 2025, focusing on the theme "Access to services – mental health in catastrophes and emergencies." The event highlights the critical importance of supporting the mental well-being of both affected communities and UN personnel responding to crises. When disasters, conflicts, or displacement occur, the psychological toll can be immense—affecting humanitarian workers, their families, and the communities they serve. This event will examine global trends in psychological trauma in emergency contexts and feature a human-centered discussion on mental health care and support for UN personnel. Related Sites and Documents:  Healthy Workforce  &  World Mental Health Day page  &  More Information . Watch Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies! Meetings & Events

  The goal of the MSP is contributing to reduced suffering and improved mental health and psychosocial well-being among populations affected by Conflicts. About the MHPSS Minimum Service Package. Read more

This event is part of a two-day conference organized by European Academy of Occupational Health Psychology (EAOHP) at the ILO, aimed at sharing knowledge, experiences, and good practices in regulation and policy initiatives. Psychosocial risks and mental health at work in the future: Promoting evidence-based policy making Agencies, Funds & Programmes

Join us on World Mental Health Day for a webinar with the World Health Organization (WHO) , World Federation for Mental Health , United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees , international non-governmental organizations, civil society, and donors, with insights on concrete actions and strategies to improve access to mental health and psychosocial support before, during, and after humanitarian emergencies. Friday, 10 October 2025 14:00 CET / 12:00 UTC *live interpretation available in Arabic and French To join the World Mental Health Day Webinar, Register to participate!

World Mental Health Day serves as a powerful reminder that there is no health without mental health. This year’s campaign focuses on the urgent need to support the mental health and psychosocial needs of people affected by humanitarian emergencies. Crises such as natural disasters, conflicts, and public health emergencies cause emotional distress, with one in five individuals experiencing a mental health condition. Supporting the mental well-being of individuals during such crises is not just important – it saves lives, gives people the strength to cope, the space to heal and to recover and rebuild not only as individuals but as communities. That’s why it is essential for everyone, including government officials, health and social care providers, school staff and community groups to come together. By working hand in hand, we can ensure the most vulnerable have access to the support they need while protecting the well-being of everyone. By investing in evidence and community-based in...

  During crises, nearly everyone experiences distress and social disruption . Homes are lost, families are separated, and communities are fractured. While one in five people may have a mental health condition , nearly everyone affected experiences emotional distress and disrupted community ties . These impacts often remain long after physical safety is restored, undermining recovery and resilience. People with significant mental health conditions must not be left without care and support. Continuity of care is a priority during and following any emergency .

Migrants and refugees face multiple stressors throughout their journey – from conflict and displacement to dangerous journeys and integration challenges in host countries. The UNHCR highlighted that conflict, violence, and human rights violations are major causes of forced displacement, a situation exacerbated by other factors like climate change. Some Key aspects of UNHCR's work include: Emergency response : UNHCR responded to 43 displacement emergencies in 2024, providing aid, and support to displaced populations. Protection and assistance: The agency offers protection, mental health support, and assistance for basic needs, such as civil documentation, to displaced people and host communities. Advocacy : UNHCR advocates for increased international support and funding, highlighting the growing humanitarian crisis and the need for solutions that prevent further suffering. Data and reporting : UNHCR tracks the number of displaced people worldwide, including both refugees (who cross...

  During crises, caring for people's mental health is vital ; The top 5 action policy-makers can take: Make mental health and psychosocial support part of every day emergency response. Ensure people have access to evidence-based mental health care , such as talking therapies , medication , and othr forms of psychosocial interventions . Include children, older people with disabilities, and refugees in mental health care ; From community self-help to specialist in mental health support adapt the support to what people need the most. Protect and support humanitarian workers .

  In 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) provided life-saving psychotropic medecine to 2.1 million people with severe mental illness in conflict settings like Sudan, Chad and Ethiopia and helped rebuild mental health system is Myanmar, Syria, Ukraine, Lebanon & other countries. Psychotropic medications can be life-saving for individuals with severe mental health conditions by stabilizing symptoms, preventing hospitalizations, and significantly reducing the risk of suicide. They work by balancing neurotransmitters in the brain and are a critical component of treatment, often used in combination with psychotherapy.   Key classes of psychotropic medications considered life-saving in specific contexts include: Antipsychotics : These medications manage symptoms of psychosis , such as hallucinations and delusions, associated with conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. They can avert relapse and significantly reduce the risk of suicide in patients with schiz...

  Conflicts, disasrers, and emergencies take a heavy toll on health and well-being. 1 in 5 people experience a mental health condition .

  During humanitarian emergencies nearly everyone experiences distress and social disruption ; Finding ways to cope and support your mental health is vital. Remember, you are not alone.

Conflicts, disasters, and health emergencies take a heavy toll on mental health. Around 1 in 5 people in conflict-affected areas are estimated to have a mental health condition . Experiencing fear, anxiety or sadness in such circumstances is a normal reaction to very stressful events .

Investing in mental health and psychosocial support helps families, communities, and economies recover from crises, build long-term resilience, and shape stronger health systems .

Prioritize your mental health by staying connected, being physically active , and following routines. Minimize alcohol use , engage in meaningful and enjoyable activities , and seek support from trusted friends, family, or health professionals .

Beyond food, water, and medicine, survivors also need mental health and psychosocial support to cope, recover, and rebuild.

The Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Minimum Service Package offers proven solutions in emergencies , ensuring timely, coordinated care that reduces suffering, strengthens well-being, and builds more inclusive responses.

A layered approach – from self-help tools and Psychological First Aid to specialized mental health services – ensures accessible, efficient, and responsive support for all.

Making mental health and psychosocial support a core part of emergency response not only saves lives but also strengthens communities and health systems for the future .

 Inclusive support must reach children, older people, persons with disabilities, refugees, and people with pre-existing mental health conditions , including those in institutions. Addressing barriers such as stigma, discrimination, costs, and language is essential.

Humanitarian workers face extreme stress and are often directly affected by the crises they respond to. Organizations should provide rest, supervision, peer support, and workplace mental health programmes to sustain an effective humanitarian response.