Every year on October 10, World
Mental Health Day gains a global attention to the various mental health issues,
create awareness, advocacy, education and support. In 2025, the focus is
particularly important, but how do we get a better access to the mental health
services during the emergencies, catastrophes and crises, be it global,
personal or on a community scale. <o:p></o:p>World Mental Health Day 2025 Theme<o:p></o:p>The world federation of mental
health has announced that the theme for World Mental Health Day 2025 is “Access
to Services - Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.”&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>The World Health Organization seta
the day as a reminder that in the humanitarian emergencies like natural disasters,
pandemics, and mass displacements, the psychological needs and mental health of
those who are affected must be attended to.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>This theme underscores a sobering
reality: even as crises multiply worldwide, many communities and individuals
lack timely or adequate psychological support. <o:p></o:p><h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Why “Support in Times of
Crisis” Is Crucial?<o:p></o:p></h2>When the crisis hits, whether a conflict,
flood, sudden loss major life upheaval or a displacement, mental health often
becomes one of the most common casualties. Trauma, stress, uncertainty, loss,
resource, resource scarcity and community disruptions all together compound the
burden. <o:p></o:p><h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Crisis Increases Vulnerability<o:p></o:p></h2><ul><li>Those who are with pre-existing mental
health conditions can see worsening symptoms<o:p></o:p></li><li>New onset disorders like acute
stress reactions, major depression, PTSD, and anxiety are all very common among
those who are exposed.<o:p></o:p></li><li>Social support systems can break
down (displacement, fragmentation of communities).<o:p></o:p></li><li>Barriers to care increase, clinics
destroyed, providers displaced, funding diverted, stigma intensified.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Delayed or Absent Support Causes Ripple Effects<o:p></o:p></h2><ul><li>Untreated psychological distress
can lead to worse physical health, impaired functioning, breakdown of social
cohesion, and intergenerational consequences.<o:p></o:p></li><li>In emergencies, mental health
consequences may persist long after the primary crisis has ended.<o:p></o:p></li><li>In short: effective, timely, and
equitable mental health support is not a luxury, it’s a necessity, especially
in crisis contexts.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">World Mental Health Day 2025:
Actionable Steps<o:p></o:p></h2>On this World Mental Health Day
2025, here are some actionable steps you personally (or in your community) can
take:<o:p></o:p><ul><li>Learn and share the theme<o:p></o:p></li><li>Map for local support<o:p></o:p></li><li>Train in the psychological first
aid<o:p></o:p></li><li>Offer a very safe listening and
support<o:p></o:p></li><li>Advocate for awareness<o:p></o:p></li><li>Promote self-care<o:p></o:p></li></ul><h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Types of Support to Prioritize
in Crises<o:p></o:p></h2><ul><li>Psychosocial support &amp;
psychological first aid (PFA)<o:p></o:p></li><li>Integrated care within general
health services<o:p></o:p></li><li>Specialized mental health
services<o:p></o:p></li><li>Community-level &amp; peer
support networks<o:p></o:p></li><li>Remote / tele-mental health &amp;
digital tools<o:p></o:p></li><li>Protection, livelihoods &amp;
social determinants<o:p></o:p></li></ul><h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Conclusion<o:p></o:p></h2>World Mental Health Day 2025 is
more than just a health day; it is a call to action. In times of any
emergencies and catastrophes, mental health remains the primary casualty,
but with proper planning, compassion, foresight, and equity, it can truly
become the greatest strength in recovery and resilience.&nbsp;&nbsp;Giving support during these emergencies
will not always solve the problems; sometimes the kind words and the listening
ears do bridge the gap to restore the strength. If more of us commit to
building those bridges in our communities, in policy, and in health systems, we
edge closer to a world where mental health care isn’t a privilege but a
universal right.<o:p></o:p>