Caring for Our Mental Health in Humanitarian Emergencies

Every year, on October 10th, the world comes together to recognize World Mental Health Day—a moment to pause, reflect, and advocate for emotional well-being. This year’s theme, “Mental Health in Humanitarian Emergencies,” feels close to home.

The world has seen its share of crises—from natural disasters to displacement, violence, and global unrest. People scrambling to rebuild their lives in the aftermath, as we witness how fragile our sense of safety can be.

Effect of Crisis on Our Minds

When we live through trauma, whether it’s losing a home, witnessing violence, or simply navigating a world that feels unsafe, our bodies and minds remain in survival mode. Sleep becomes difficult. Concentration fades. When we witness others experience such devastation, we may feel detached, hopeless, or guilty for not being able to help. These are not signs of weakness—they are signs of the human mind doing its best to protect itself in the face of overwhelm.

Mental Health Support in Humanitarian Emergencies

In most humanitarian crises, basic survival takes precedence. Food, shelter, and physical safety become urgent needs, as they should. However, mental health tends to take a backseat. It is the very foundation that allows individuals and communities to heal and rebuild their lives. The emotional and psychological wounds of those affected often remain neglected. People may appear to have “moved on,” but inside, many are still navigating loss, fear, and uncertainty. The absence of visible injuries does not mean the pain is gone.

Unaddressed trauma rarely disappears on its own. When psychological distress is ignored or minimized, it can quietly weave itself into the fabric of daily life. People may struggle with sleep, anger, or anxiety; children might withdraw or act out; relationships can strain under the weight of unspoken pain. Over time, unresolved trauma can manifest as depression, substance use, or chronic stress—affecting not only those who lived through the crisis but also their families and future generations. Healing the mind, therefore, is not only about alleviating suffering in the present—it’s about preventing the emotional scars of today from becoming tomorrow’s inherited pain.

Support Ourselves and Others

Whether or not we’ve directly lived through a crisis, emotional distress can ripple through communities. Here’s what helps:

• Ground yourself in small routines. Simple acts like bathing, eating regular meals, or praying/meditating can restore a sense of normalcy.

• Talk about your experience. Sharing your story with a trusted person can ease the weight of silence.

• Help children express their feelings. Through drawing, play, or storytelling — children process differently from adults.

• Limit distressing media exposure. It’s okay to step away from endless news updates.

• Reach out for connection. Whether with friends, family, or a mental health professional, sharing what you feel can reduce isolation.

• Offer empathy. Sometimes, the most healing thing we can say is, “I’m here with you.”

• Support mental health initiatives. Volunteer, donate, or advocate for accessible mental health care in your community.

A Call for Compassionate Systems

Mental health during humanitarian emergencies is not just a global issue — it’s a human one. When we respond to suffering with understanding instead of stigma, we make healing possible not just for individuals, but for entire communities. That’s why trauma-informed care and community-based support are so vital. Programs that offer psychological first aid, safe community spaces, and accessible counseling can help survivors process what happened, make meaning of their experiences, and reconnect with a sense of safety. When people have the opportunity to talk, be heard, and receive gentle guidance, the burden of survival begins to soften. Compassionate care allows communities not just to endure but to truly recover — to rediscover hope, trust, and resilience. In the long run, addressing mental health in emergencies is not a luxury; it’s an act of rebuilding humanity itself.

Let’s remember: healing from crisis is not only about rebuilding walls and roads — it’s about rebuilding trust, connection, and safety within ourselves and each other.

Even when the world feels unsafe, we can choose to respond with care — one conversation, one act of empathy, one moment of presence at a time.

A Gentle Note from the Therapist’s Corner

If the world feels heavy right now, know that you don’t have to carry it alone. Sometimes healing begins with a safe space to speak, breathe, and simply be.

If you’d like to explore therapy or understand how support can look for you, you’re welcome to reach out. Let’s figure this out together, one gentle step at a time.