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.
Established in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health, World Mental Health Day has evolved into a key annual event, observed in over 150 countries to destigmatise mental health issues and mobilise resources.
In 2025, in the middle of escalating conflicts and disasters, the focus sharpens on the 123 million forcibly displaced people worldwide who face heightened risks of disorders like depression and anxiety, according to the World Health Organisation WHO Campaign.
The urgency is shocking: over one billion people globally live with a mental disorder, yet most remain without help due to resource gaps, workforce shortages, and disrupted services, as detailed in WHO’s latest report, World Mental Health Today. In humanitarian emergencies, one in five individuals develops a mental health condition from stressors like displacement and trauma, exacerbating a treatment gap where only a fraction receives psychosocial aid. “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 highlights how catastrophes, from natural disasters to armed conflicts, intensify mental health vulnerabilities, particularly among migrants, refugees, and youth. In the Pan American region, depression and anxiety rank among the top causes of disability for adolescents, with suicide as the third leading cause of death for ages 15-29, according to PAHO data (PAHO Campaign). Exposure to violence, poverty, and bullying doubles the risks, revealing a real need for life-course interventions that start early. The COVID-19 pandemic, flagged as a lingering factor, disrupted 93 per cent of critical mental health services, costing over $1 trillion annually in lost productivity worldwide.
Experts stress integrated approaches. “Therapy doesn’t have to begin with a couch and a form. It can begin with a cup of tea, silence, or storytelling,” advises Dr Anjali Kabir, a mental health specialist, calling for culturally attuned support in 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 to action and resilience
World Mental Health Day calls for practical steps: governments must put psychosocial packages in aid responses at the forefront, workplaces can host “Tea & Talk” events to encourage conversations, and communities should advocate for free access for all. Volunteering reduces depression risk by 48 per cent, while simple check-ins combat isolation. As the Mental Health Foundation has said, “World Mental Health Day is a great opportunity for us to come together to talk about mental health and show everyone that it matters”.
On this World Mental Health Day, on the day that Manchester lays to rest UK boxer Ricky Hatton, who was said to have taken his own life after a long battle with depression, the message is clear: Mental health is a human right, not a luxury. By addressing barriers in crises, societies can build stronger futures.
