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

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...

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.