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On this World Mental Health Day, Friday, October 10, global leaders and advocates are rallying under the theme “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” stressing that psychological support must be as immediate as physical aid in times of crisis.
World Mental Health Day, established by the World Federation for Mental Health in 1992, has grown into an annual event that is observed in 150+ countries. This day is a way to raise awareness about mental health and mobilise resources.
The World Health Organisation WHO Campaign states that in 2025 the focus will shift to the 123 millions forcibly-displaced people who, due to escalating conflict and disasters, are at heightened risk of depression and anxiety.
As detailed in the article, it is shocking how urgent this issue is. Over one billion people worldwide suffer from a mental illness, but most are left without any help because of resource gaps, staff shortages and disrupted service. WHO’s latest reportWorld Mental Health Today. One in five people who experience humanitarian crises develop a mental illness due to stressors such as displacement and trauma. This creates a treatment gap, where only a small fraction of individuals receive psychosocial assistance. “Supporting the mental well-being of individuals during such crises is not just important – it saves lives and gives people the strength to cope, the space to heal and to recover and rebuild not only as individuals but also as communities,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in the official 2025 campaign message.
World Mental Health Day: Bridging Gaps in Emergency Response
World Mental Health Day is a day to highlight how disasters from natural catastrophes to armed conflict can increase mental health vulnerability, particularly for migrants, refugees and youth. According to data from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), depression and anxiety are among the leading causes of disability in adolescents. Suicide is the third most common cause of death between the ages of 15-29.PAHO Campaign). The risks are doubled when exposed to violence, poverty and bullying. This shows the need for early life-course intervention. COVID-19, a pandemic that was flagged as a persistent factor, affected 93 percent of mental health services and cost over $1 trillion in lost productivity annually.
Experts insist on integrated approaches. Therapy doesn’t always begin on a couch with a prescribed form. It can start with a tea cup, silence, or a story. Dr Anjali KabirMental health specialist, calls for culturally sensitive support during emergencies. For families, normalising talks is key: “Ask how you can help… They might want support with a GP appointment or just to chat,” recommends the Mental Health Foundation.
World Mental Health Day – Pathways for action and Resilience
World Mental Health Day calls on practical steps. Governments must prioritize psychosocial packages as part of their aid responses. Workplaces can host “Tea & TalkCommunities should encourage free access and promote ” events for everyone. Volunteering can reduce depression by up to 48 percent, and simple check-ins can help combat loneliness. Mental Health Foundation said that World Mental Health Day was a good opportunity to show people how important mental health is.
The message on this World Mental Health Day is clear. On the day UK boxer Ricky Hatton was laid to rest in Manchester, after a long struggle with depression and a reported suicide, mental health is not a luxury, but a right. In times of crisis, societies can be strengthened by addressing the barriers.
