Mental health is more than just a basic human right—it’s vital for coping with life’s stresses, realizing potential, and contributing to society. This year’s World Mental Health Day, themed “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” highlights the urgent need to support emotional and psychological well-being during crises like wars, natural disasters, and pandemics.
Experts stress that mental health care is not a luxury but an essential lifeline for survival and recovery during emergencies. Over 300 million people worldwide currently need humanitarian aid due to conflict, climate change, and disasters, with one in five affected by mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Yet, mental health services are often the first to be disrupted or underfunded during crises, leaving vulnerable populations—including children, older adults, and those with pre-existing conditions—without necessary support. To address this, organizations like WHO have developed minimum service packages to integrate Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) into emergency response plans, training frontline workers and emphasizing community-based care. This approach is key to helping individuals cope with trauma, fostering resilience, and rebuilding communities with hope and dignity.
By Franca Ofili NAN.
Leave a comment