WMHD 2025 Toolkit – Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies

Disasters can vary greatly. In 2020, approximately 100 million people worldwide were affected by disaster events. In the case of disasters, vulnerable groups can be under great stress, can face major challenges and may develop mental disorders. Nearly one-third of disaster-affected people may experience burdensome mental health consequences. 2025's World Mental Health Day theme and toolkit serve to highlight that emergencies and catastrophes are moments where mental health disorders can occur more frequently. Many of these affected people will need professional mental health support, and the necessary support must reach them. Constant exposure to trauma, coupled with the pressure of providing help under extreme and challenging conditions, can place an immense burden on mental well-being of Frontline professionals. The World Federation for Mental Health therefore calls for special attention and protection for these workers. Source: https://wmhdofficial.com/