World Mental Health Day 2025; October 10th.

FORUM: "Mental health in humanitarian emergencies." World Mental Health Day 2025. The observance of the Day serves as a powerful reminder that there is no health without mental health. This year’s campaign focuses on the urgent need to support the mental health and psychosocial needs of people affected by humanitarian emergencies. Crises such as natural disasters, conflicts, and public health emergencies cause emotional distress, with one in five individuals experiencing a mental health condition. Supporting the mental well-being of individuals during such crises is not just important – it saves lives, gives people the strength to cope, the space to heal and to recover and rebuild not only as individuals but as communities. That’s why it is essential for everyone, including government officials, health and social care providers, school staff and community groups to come together. By working hand in hand, we can ensure the most vulnerable have access to the support they need while protecting the well-being of everyone. By investing in evidence and community-based interventions, we can address immediate mental health needs, foster long-term recovery, and empower people and communities to rebuild their lives and thrive. On this World Mental Health Day, let us intensify our efforts to create a world where mental health is valued, protected, and accessible for all, especially in the face of adversity. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #WMHD, #10October, #MentalHealth, #WorldMentalHealthDay.

KEY MESSAGE

Investing in mental health is investing in recovery:

Investing in mental health and psychosocial support helps families, communities, and economies recover from crises, build long-term resilience, and shape stronger health systems.

Protect your mental health:

Prioritize your mental health by staying connected, being physically active, and following routines. Minimize alcohol use, engage in meaningful and enjoyable activities, and seek support from trusted friends, family, or health professionals


Mental health is essential for rebuilding lives:

Beyond food, water, and medicine, survivors also need mental health and psychosocial support to cope, recover, and rebuild


Mental health care saves lives:

The Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Minimum Service Package offers proven solutions in emergencies, ensuring timely, coordinated care that reduces suffering, strengthens well-being, and builds more inclusive responses.

Promoting mental well-being through various approaches:

A layered approach – from self-help tools and Psychological First Aid to specialized mental health services – ensures accessible, efficient, and responsive support for all.

Integrating mental health strengthens emergency response:

Making mental health and psychosocial support a core part of emergency response not only saves lives but also strengthens communities and health systems for the future

Inclusive mental health care leads to stronger communities:

Inclusive support must reach children, older people, persons with disabilities, refugees, and people with pre-existing mental health conditions, including those in institutions. Addressing barriers such as stigma, discrimination, costs, and language is essential.

Protect the well-being of humanitarian workers:

Humanitarian workers face extreme stress and are often directly affected by the crises they respond to. Organizations should provide rest, supervision, peer support, and workplace mental health programmes to sustain an effective humanitarian response.

EVENTS: On Friday, 10 October 2025 starting at14:00 CET / 12:00 UTC, a webinar with the World Health Organization, World Federation for Mental Health, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, international non-governmental organizations, civil society, and donors, with insights on concrete actions and strategies to improve access to mental health and psychosocial support before, during, and after humanitarian emergencies. To join WMHD 2025 webinar, please register!

At UN Geneva; This event is part of a two-day conference organized by European Academy of Occupational Health Psychology (EAOHP) at the ILO, aimed at sharing knowledge, experiences, and good practices in regulation and policy initiatives. 

Watch the sychosocial risks and mental health at work in the future: Promoting evidence-based policy making!

CAMPAIGN MATERIALS:  Infographics.

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