Every year on 10 October, World Mental Health Day provides an opportunity for people working on mental health issues to talk about their work and mobilize support to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide, since mental health is a basic human right.
This year’s theme is “Providing mental health support and services during times of disaster and crisis”. When disasters strike, they can aggravate mental health conditions, particularly when people are displaced, experience loss and have scarce resources. Everyone has a unique experience to a disaster, and some may develop mental health conditions as a result of emergencies which can be long-term. There is a higher incidence of psychological difficulties among children and adolescents.
The WHO Centre for Health Development (WHO Kobe Centre – WKC) conducts research on mental health during emergencies through a project on mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS).
“Early and effective MHPSS interventions are 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 respond before, during and after an emergency,” says WKC technical officer, Dr Ryoma Kayano.
A WKC- supported assessment of existing disaster-related MHPSS policies and programmes found a global lack of systematic evaluations, which are essential for evidence-based policymaking and implementation.
“Mental health should be incorporated into disaster risk reduction plans and include targeted strategies for high-need groups such as displaced populations and frontline responders. Enhancing support for MHPSS staff and volunteers will help prevent burnout and ensure sustainable service delivery to those who need mental health support during emergencies and disasters,” concluded Dr Kayano.
WKC conducts research and promotes its uptake to ensure that more people will be better protected from the health impact of emergencies and disasters. Read more about our MHPSS work here.