World Mental Health Day

  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 .

  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...