World Mental Health Day 2025: Mental Health in Humanitarian Emergencies

Mental Health Day

Every year on 10 October, the world observes World Mental Health Day, a reminder that there is no health without mental health. This year’s theme focuses on something urgent and often overlooked: mental health in humanitarian emergencies.

Crises, whether caused by natural disasters, conflict, or public health emergencies, do not just destroy buildings and communities. They also leave behind invisible wounds of trauma, depression, anxiety, and emotional distress.

At Freedom Rehabilitation Services, we believe that prioritizing mental health during such times is not optional, it is life-saving.

Why Mental Health During Crises Matters

When an emergency strikes, most people focus on essentials like food, water, and shelter. Yet, the emotional toll is just as devastating. Research shows that 1 in 5 people in crisis-affected areas experience a mental health condition.

Displacement, loss of loved ones, and uncertainty fuel stress. Migrants and refugees face unique risks, carrying trauma across borders while navigating discrimination and broken support systems.

Without urgent care, these wounds remain long after physical safety is restored. That’s why mental health awareness must be a core part of humanitarian response.

Breaking Stigma in Emergencies

Even in times of crisis, stigma silences people. Communities often treat depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder as weakness instead of human vulnerability.

On this Mental Health Day, we must ask: how can we expect survivors to heal if they fear being judged? Breaking stigma allows people to reach out, access care, and begin recovery.

Mental Health as the Foundation for Recovery

Rebuilding lives is not just about bricks and mortar. Survivors also need strength to face tomorrow. Without mental health support, even the most resilient communities struggle to recover.

That’s why psychosocial care, counseling, and emotional first aid is essential. Investing in mental health is investing in recovery. When people feel supported, they can reconnect, rebuild, and rise stronger than before.

Inclusive Care Saves Lives

Emergencies hit vulnerable groups the hardest—children, older adults, people with disabilities, refugees, and those already living with mental health challenges.

An inclusive approach ensures no one is left behind. The Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Minimum Service Package provide proven tools to deliver timely, life-saving care.

By tackling barriers like stigma, cost, and language, we can make mental health care truly accessible. Because every life matters, especially in moments of crisis.

Protecting Humanitarian Workers Too

We often forget the emotional toll on humanitarian workers. From witnessing trauma to working under constant stress, their own mental health is at risk.

Organizations must protect their well-being by offering rest, peer support, and structured workplace mental health programmes. A supported worker is not just more resilient—they can also provide more effective care to others.

Mental Health Tips for Crises

Even small steps can help people safeguard their well-being during emergencies. Here are some simple yet powerful practices:

Stay connected with loved ones

Reaching out to friends, family, or neighbors can ease feelings of isolation. Sharing your worries and listening to others builds a sense of strength and community.

Maintain routines, even simple ones

Regular sleep, meals, and daily habits create stability in uncertain times. A small routine helps the mind feel grounded when everything else feels chaotic.

Stay physically active

Movement reduces stress and boosts mood. Even short walks, stretching, or light exercise can make a big difference in restoring balance.

Limit alcohol and substances

Turning to alcohol or drugs may feel like an escape, but they often worsen stress and anxiety. Choosing healthier coping methods strengthens long-term resilience.

Engage in meaningful activities like prayer, art, or journaling

Creative and spiritual outlets offer space to process emotions. Whether it’s writing, painting, or meditation, these activities nurture inner peace.

Seek professional help when needed

If distress becomes overwhelming, reaching out to a counselor, therapist, or mental health professional provides support and tools to heal. Asking for help is a sign of courage, not weakness.

These practices don’t erase trauma, but they build strength to cope, recover, and rebuild; one step at a time.

Toward a Future Where Mental Health Is Valued

As we mark World Mental Health Day 2025, let’s commit to a world where mental health is prioritized in every crisis response. When we support emotional well-being, we give people more than comfort; we give them a chance to survive, recover, and thrive.

At Freedom Rehabilitation Services, we remain dedicated to mental health awareness, stigma reduction, and inclusive care. Because in times of adversity, mental health is not a side concern, it is the foundation of resilience.

Questions to Reflect On

Before you leave, take a moment to think about these questions:

How often do we prioritize mental health alongside physical safety during crises?

What role can each of us play in breaking the stigma around mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder?

If you were displaced or affected by a disaster, what kind of mental health support would you hope to receive?

How can communities and governments integrate mental health awareness into emergency preparedness?

What personal mental health tips help you stay grounded during stressful times?