Mental health is a basic human right, essential for coping with the stresses of life and maintaining well-being. When disasters strike, they can exacerbate mental health conditions with the added burden of displacement, loss, and resource scarcity, potentially leading to psychological distress and increase the risk of mental health conditions, even long-term.
WHO estimates that one in five conflict-affected people is likely to develop mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Individuals will have unique responses to the same event, each with varied resources and capacities, and some may develop mental health conditions as a result of emergencies. Those with pre-existing conditions may experience a worsening of their condition and face risks of neglect, abandonment, abuse, and limited support access.
Early and effective MHPSS interventions, including any local or outside support that aims to protect or promote psychosocial well-being and/or prevent or treat mental health disorders, are increasingly recognized as vital for health emergency and disaster risk management (Health EDRM). Timely MHPSS can reduce these risks and promote recovery and resilience, particularly if systems and services are prepared to respond before, during, and after an emergency.
This section shares knowledge, evidence, and information on MHPSS interventions, related guidelines, case studies, and training tools from WKC-funded research projects (2022-23 project, 2020-21 project, 2016-17 project).
