Today marks World Mental Health Day, and this year's theme from the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) is particularly relevant for those of us in health and social care: "Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies."

Why this matters

Whether it's natural disasters, conflicts, pandemics, or other crises, millions of people worldwide face catastrophic events each year. The statistics are sobering: nearly one-third of disaster-affected individuals experience significant mental health consequences. Yet despite this enormous need, access to appropriate mental health support remains a critical challenge.

We've seen this firsthand in the UK. The COVID-19 pandemic placed unprecedented strain on mental health services, with many people experiencing increased anxiety, depression, and trauma whilst access to support became more difficult. The pandemic showed us how quickly a crisis can overwhelm mental health systems and how important it is to have robust support structures in place.

Globally, communities continue to face similar challenges. Sudan is currently experiencing the world's largest humanitarian crisis, with over 12 million people displaced by ongoing conflict. Families dealing with displacement, grief, and trauma are struggling to access even basic mental health support in extremely challenging circumstances.

What this means for practice

Working with people affected by disasters and emergencies isn't the same as everyday mental health support. Trauma from catastrophic events creates specific needs, and helping effectively means developing particular skills and understanding.

The key message from the WFMH is that we can't just respond when crisis hits—we need to prepare beforehand. This means building knowledge about disaster mental health into training programmes now, not scrambling to learn during an emergency. There are international guidelines on mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) that can help, and getting familiar with these approaches should be part of how health and social care professionals develop professionally.

A call for support

This World Mental Health Day also serves as a reminder to advocate for those affected by crises. The WFMH is calling on political and social leaders to ensure substantial support reaches people who need it most, guaranteeing access to professional mental health services when catastrophe strikes.

Protecting the protectors

Finally, we must acknowledge an often-overlooked group: the professionals themselves. Healthcare workers, first responders, and aid workers face constant exposure to trauma whilst providing help under extreme conditions. Their mental wellbeing matters too. As the WFMH states, these employees deserve special attention and protection.

Reflection for educators and students

As we mark World Mental Health Day today, consider how this theme connects to your studies or teaching:

• How prepared are our health systems for mental health crises during emergencies?
• How can we better protect the mental wellbeing of healthcare professionals in crisis situations?

World Mental Health Day is observed annually on 10th October. Learn more about global mental health at the World Federation for Mental Health website.

Information in this article was adapted from the WFMH.